Surat : Tragedy struck a family in Surat's Bhestan Siddharth Nagar slum on Monday after their four-year-old daughter, Surmila, was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs. The incident has reignited concerns about the growing population of stray dogs in the city and their threat to public safety, especially children.
According to reports, Surmila was playing outside her house when she wandered near a sugarcane patch used as fodder for the family's cows. A pack of 8-10 stray dogs suddenly attacked her, inflicting severe bite wounds, particularly on her neck. When her parents, Kalubhai and Pandesara, returned home from work and couldn't find her, they frantically searched the area. They discovered Surmila lying unconscious near the sugarcane patch, surrounded by the dogs.
Despite rushing her to the hospital, doctors declared Surmila dead on arrival. Her father, Kalabhai, reportedly chased away the dogs with stones before bringing her in, highlighting the urgency of addressing the stray dog issue in the city.
This incident follows several other reported dog attacks on children in Surat, prompting calls for stricter animal control measures and responsible pet ownership. The local authorities are investigating the matter and may face questions regarding their existing stray dog management programs.
Surmila's tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of young children to dog attacks and the need for immediate action to ensure their safety in public spaces.
