Chennai Park Incident: Rottweilers Maul 5-Year-Old, Owner Faces Arrest

Two Rottweiler Dogs Maul a 5-year-old Girl in a Chennai Park, Ignites Controversy

A frightening incident unfolded at a park in Chennai last night as two Rottweiler dogs viciously attacked a young girl, causing severe injuries and reigniting conversations surrounding the ownership of dogs from aggressive breeds. The owner of the dogs has been taken into custody on charges of negligence, and two others responsible for caring for the animals have also been implicated in the case.

The disturbing event transpired at a public park located in the Thousand Lights area of Chennai. Allegedly, the dogs were unleashed by their owner when they pounced on the toddler. Shockingly, reports suggest that the owner failed to intervene promptly as the child's parents rushed to her aid and raised an alarm. It is noted that the girl's father is employed as a security guard at the park.

"We have apprehended the owner and filed charges against the two individuals entrusted with the care of the dogs," stated Shekhar Deshmukh, a senior police official. Surveillance footage from the park has captured the distressing attack carried out by the two Rottweilers.

The young victim, identified as Sudaksha, is currently undergoing medical treatment at a private hospital. Sources within the police department have disclosed that the owner of the dogs failed to have them sterilized, a crucial measure to prevent such tragic occurrences.

This harrowing incident has once again sparked a heated debate on whether it is responsible to own pets belonging to more aggressive breeds in residential areas. The central government's directive issued in March urged states to prohibit the sale and breeding of 23 breeds known for their ferocious tendencies, which includes the Pitbull Terrier, American Bulldog, Rottweiler, and Mastiffs. Furthermore, the directive mandates that individuals who currently possess pets from these breeds must ensure their sterilization without delay.

The Animal Husbandry Department has acknowledged receiving multiple petitions from concerned citizens and Animal Welfare Organizations advocating for restrictions on certain breeds commonly kept as pets.