Surat: The German Shepherd that mauled a seven-year-old boy in Parvat Patia has been shifted to a hostel. The dog’s owner issued a written apology and agreed to relocate the pet, after which the child’s parents and society residents withdrew their complaint from Puna police station.

Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) officials visited the society to gather information and stated that the area health officer has been directed to serve a notice to the owner.

The incident occurred on September 19, when the boy, riding his bicycle inside Rudramani Avenue Society, was attacked by the dog. He sustained bite injuries on his leg and scratches elsewhere on his body, and was discharged from the hospital on Monday. Authorities noted that the dog was taken out without a muzzle, a violation of civic rules.

Earlier this year, SMC introduced a rule requiring pet owners to obtain a no-objection certificate from 10 neighbours and the society president to secure a pet licence. The regulation has faced backlash, with several groups considering legal action against it. DeshhGujarat