.jfif)
Surathkal: A nine-year-old girl, Rida Fatima, sustained severe injuries after being attacked by stray dogs in the Kana area of Surathkal on Wednesday evening. The incident has heightened concerns about the growing stray dog menace in the region.
Rida Fatima, daughter of Haidar Ali and a resident of Kana, was reportedly heading to a local shop near her home when the incident occurred. Eyewitnesses stated that a group of stray dogs, engaged in a territorial dispute, approached the area. Startled by the commotion, the young girl attempted to retreat toward her home. In her haste, the money she was carrying fell to the ground.
As Rida bent down to retrieve the money, the pack of dogs turned on her, launching a vicious attack. She sustained multiple serious bite injuries to her hands and legs. Her cries for help alerted nearby residents, who quickly intervened. The prompt response of the local community rescued the girl from the dogs, potentially preventing even more severe harm.
Following the rescue, Rida was immediately taken to the Surathkal Community Health Center for initial medical attention. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later transferred to Wenlock Hospital in Mangalore for further evaluation and treatment. Reports indicate that she has since been admitted to a private hospital in the city, where she is receiving specialized care.
The incident has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for immediate action from local authorities to address the escalating stray dog problem in Surathkal and surrounding areas. Residents are demanding more effective measures to control the stray dog population and ensure the safety of the community, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. The incident is under investigation.
