Surat: The city is grappling with a severe stray dog menace, witnessing a daily surge of 35 to 40 reported cases of dog bites. In one such incident that recently occurred in the Siddharth Nagar area of Bhestan, a 4-year-old girl named Surmila lost her life after being attacked by a group of 8 to 10 dogs.

Surmila was attacked by the dogs while attempting to collect sugarcane from the cow fodder. Kalubhai Devchand Arad, originally from Madhya Pradesh, resides in the Siddharth Nagar slums of Bhestan with his wife, three sons, and one daughter. Both he and his wife work in Mahesh Company located in Pandesara GIDC.

While the parents were at work Sumila and her brother Bajrangi were at home. In the evening, while playing outside, Surmila ventured to collect sugarcane from the fodder, leading to the dog attack. Kalubhai recalled returning home to find Bajrangi informing him about Surmila lying unconscious in the bushes. After chasing away the dogs, Surmila was transported to New Civil Hospital in a 108 ambulance, where the doctor declared her dead.

The Anti-Rabies Department of Surat Civil Hospital reports 35 to 40 new cases of stray dog attacks daily, affecting victims across age groups from children to the elderly. This alarming trend emphasizes the urgent need to address the escalating incidents of dog attacks in various areas, including Pandesara, Limbayat, and beyond. DeshGujarat