In a deeply troubling incident that has once again brought the stray dog menace to the forefront of public concern, two female students of Bengaluru University were viciously attacked by stray dogs inside the campus on Tuesday morning.
The shocking episode has ignited urgent calls for a nationwide, humane yet effective policy to safeguard both human lives and animal welfare.
The attack occurred around 11 am within the premises of the Dr BR Ambedkar School of Economics University, leaving one student critically injured.
The victims have been identified as Soujanya G J, a native of Haveri, and Rega Nikshitha from Telangana — both third-year students pursuing an integrated MSc in Economics programme.
Soujanya sustained serious injuries and is currently battling for recovery in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a private hospital. Her classmate, Rega, also suffered injuries but is reported to be out of danger. Both are receiving treatment and support from the university administration and their peers.
Supreme Court’s Stern Warning — A National Issue
This incident comes barely a day after the Supreme Court of India issued firm directions to civic bodies in Delhi and the National Capital Region, stressing the urgent removal of stray dogs from high-risk zones.
A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan directed that stray dogs be caught, sterilised, vaccinated, and moved to permanent shelters. The court made it clear that any obstruction to these measures would invite strict legal consequences. If they have to create a force, do it earlier.
This should be the first and foremost exercise to make all localities free of stray dogs,” the bench declared, underscoring that protecting citizens — especially infants and young children — from rabies and attacks must be a top national priority.
The justices further noted: This order is not for our self-interest, but for the people at large. The action should inspire confidence that they can move freely without fear of being bitten by stray dogs.”
The Bigger Question Before Society
The Bengaluru attack is not an isolated case — similar incidents have been reported across urban and rural India in recent years. The matter is no longer just about animal control; it is about balancing public safety with animal rights.
Animal welfare groups argue that stray dogs are often victims of human neglect and urban planning failures, while residents demand immediate measures to prevent attacks and safeguard communities.
Experts suggest that a nationally coordinated policy involving sterilisation drives, vaccination programs, shelter expansion, and public awareness campaigns is urgently needed.
This is now a moral and legal challenge before society and the judiciary — how to protect the lives of citizens while ensuring that animals are not subjected to cruelty. The Supreme Court’s proactive stance signals that the solution must be systematic, humane, and nationwide.
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