The National Human Rights Commission has taken a suo motu cognizance of media reports, stating that a two-year-old girl was allegedly mauled to death by stray dogs near Tughlak Lane area of New Delhi on Saturday.
Reportedly, the residents of the area claimed that another child of the family had fallen victim to a similar attack a few months ago. They alleged that they made multiple complaints to the authorities about the rising number of stray dogs and incidents of attack on children but no action was taken.
The commission remarked that if the reports are true, then it amounts to a grave issue of human rights violation. It mentioned that the aforesaid incident is not an isolated case of loss of human life due to attacks by stray dogs. Taking cognizance of the earlier incidents, it had directed the city civic authorities to take all preventive and curative action to control the population of stray dogs according to the provisions of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, issued by the Centre.
The NHRC stated that the recent incident indicates a need to review the prevailing safeguards. Subsequently, the National Human Rights Commission issued notices to the Delhi Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Police Commissioner, asking for a detailed report within six weeks.
Reportedly, the Delhi government is likely to inform whether any relief has been given to the deceased next of kin. Additionally, the Delhi Police Commissioner is asked to submit the present status of the investigation being carried out after registration of FIR in the matter.
The NHRC also observed that animal rights are advocated and supported in the same way as human rights. It noted that similar incidents have been reported from many parts of the country recently. Terming the situation grim and alarming, the commission emphasized on the necessity of immediate and effective action by the authorities without any delay.
Reportedly, a pack of four to five dogs pounced on the 2-year-old girl, dragging her around 100-150 metres to a nearby lane, where they fatally mauled her. The girl was hurried to a hospital, where she died during the treatment.