'Hope this is implemented strictly': Families of dog bite victims welcome SC order; ask those opposing to adopt

On June 30, six-year-old Chhavi Sharma, known as Bittu, was bitten by a stray dog while walking to her aunt’s house in northwest Delhi’s Pooth Kalan. Her family says the dog attacked without provocation, leaving her bleeding on the doorstep. She was taken to Dr B R Ambedkar Hospital for anti-rabies treatment, but her health worsened in mid-July.

On July 21, her first day back at school, she began vomiting, lost strength in her limbs, and stopped speaking. Four days later, just before she was due for her final vaccine dose, she died.


For her family, the Supreme Court’s order on Monday to remove stray dogs from all Delhi localities and place them in shelters is not only a policy decision but also a form of justice.

"We don't want even our enemies to go through what we underwent. With the Supreme Court's decision, we believe that our child's death has not gone in vain," said Krishna Devi, Chhavi’s aunt, as quoted by PTI.

"I feel like my child is the change. I hope there are no more Chhavis, who are hurt elsewhere. Nobody should go through the cruel fate we underwent," she said.

The Supreme Court described the stray dog situation in Delhi as “extremely grim” and directed the Delhi government and civic bodies to immediately start picking up stray dogs and keeping them in shelters. It also warned of strict action against anyone obstructing the process.

Chhavi’s family said the order brought them some relief. "We heard about the Supreme Court's verdict on TV. The first thing we felt was a sigh of relief. Now I hope they take these animals to places where they can't hurt us," Krishna Devi was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

"Just like gaushalas (cowsheds) are built for cows, something must be built for these dogs. We are not fighting the animals; we just want them kept separate so they don't hurt us. And those who feed them should be made accountable — they feed them on the streets and leave, and these dogs form packs and chase children," she added.

Another family in the city has also faced a similar incident. Dheeraj Ahuja, a resident of Ashok Vihar, said his seven-year-old son, who often fed stray dogs, was mauled by one in their neighbourhood.

"We welcome this Supreme Court order. It is a great, though delayed, step. My son, who is in Class 7, had to take 10 injections. The child who once fed these dogs was brutally attacked," he said, as quoted by PTI.

Ahuja also addressed those opposing the order. "They should come forward, adopt these dogs and keep them in their homes. Our suffering is personal and we hope this is implemented strictly," he added.

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