West Bengal: Newborn left outside toilet survives only because stray dogs did the 'unthinkable'

In a heartwarming turn of events in Nabadwip, West Bengal, a newborn was safeguarded by a pack of stray dogs after being abandoned outside a house’s toilet. The dogs reportedly formed a protective circle around the infant, keeping him safe through the night until a local woman discovered him at dawn.

Residents of Swarupnagar Rail Colony, around 10 km from the pilgrimage town of Mayapur, heard the cries of the baby on Monday morning. Most assumed the sounds were coming from a nearby house, delaying the discovery.

Radha Bhowmick, on her way to the toilet at dawn, spotted the newborn boy surrounded by the dogs. She immediately rescued him and called for help. Her niece-in-law, Priti Bhowmick, rushed the baby to Maheshganj Hospital, from where he was later transferred to Krishnanagar Sadar Hospital. Doctors confirmed that the infant had no external injuries, though there was some blood on his head, likely from birth.


Nabadwip police suspect that the newborn was abandoned shortly after delivery by a local resident. Childline authorities and the police have launched an investigation, and the Child Welfare Committee has been contacted to ensure the baby’s long-term care.

“Those dogs, the ones we often chase away, did what many humans wouldn’t. They kept the baby alive,” Radha Bhowmick told TOI.

This incident echoes a similar case from Kolkata nine years ago, where four stray dogs protected a newborn girl by keeping crows away and staying with her until she was rescued.

Such acts highlight the unexpected compassion sometimes displayed by stray animals, offering a rare moment of hope amid distress.

Inputs from TOI