MUMBAI: A shocking incident occurred on Monday evening when an eight-year-old boy named Daksh Rawat, was severely injured after being attacked by a stray dog in Mira Road while playing football near his home. Daksh was left with serious head and facial injuries, including mouth lacerations, after the dog attack, and is currently receiving medical care at a private hospital.

The attack took place around 9 pm in the Poonam Sagar area. Daksh was playing football with his friends when a stray dog began to chase him. Before he could defend himself, the dog bit him on the face and head.

Daksh’s friends quickly alerted his parents, who immediately took him to a nearby private hospital. The doctors recommended plastic surgery due to the serious injuries to his face.

The boy’s father, Manmohan Rawat, a chef who works on a cruise ship, stated that Daksh had not provoked the dog. "My son was just playing football when he unintentionally approached the dog, triggering a sudden and unexpected attack. Sadly, this dog has a history of aggression, having previously attacked a young girl, which PETA attributed to provocation. Despite its six-year presence in our community, and numerous attacks on delivery personnel and children, no action has been taken to address the issue," he said.

Manmohan further explained that when he contacted local authorities, they informed him that the dog had been vaccinated recently and may have been reacting due to that. However, he was frustrated that they had not been warned about the vaccination, which could have allowed them to take precautions and keep their children safe.

Local authorities reported that an average of 32 people are bitten by dogs every day in the Mira-Bhayander area, which is home to approximately 30,000 stray dogs. Some of these dogs have been known to attack citizens in packs. Since the start of the year, more than 12,000 dog bite incidents have been recorded within the municipal limits.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)