Bengaluru: The life of 31-year-old tech professional Shalini Kumari Dubey, a mother to a 17-month-old toddler, was turned upside down after a brutal dog attack in Bengaluru, leaving her with more than 80 stitches on her face, neck, and head.
What was once a routine filled with work and caring for her young child has now been replaced by prolonged hospital stays, physical pain, and emotional trauma.
Attack During Morning Walk
On the morning of January 26, Shalini stepped out for her regular walk near her home in HSR Layout’s Teachers’ Colony. Within moments, a neighbour’s pet Rottweiler, allegedly released without a leash or muzzle, charged at her and knocked her to the ground.
The dog reportedly attacked her face and neck repeatedly. CCTV footage shows the animal lunging at her as soon as its owner opened the gate.
“There was no chain, no muzzle, no safety precautions,” said her husband, Satya Prakash Dubey.
Narrow Escape from Death
Shalini was rushed to hospital and underwent nearly eight hours of surgery. One of her wounds, measuring about 7 cm, was dangerously close to her airway.
“Another centimetre and it could have been fatal,” her husband said, quoting doctors. Medical experts have warned that some of the scars may be permanent.
She remained hospitalised for over a week and continues to receive treatment. While her physical injuries are slowly healing, she has been left emotionally shaken and is consulting a clinical psychologist for anxiety and trauma.
Impact on Family
The incident has deeply affected the couple’s young daughter, who has been separated from her mother during recovery.
“She keeps asking for her mother. At night, she cries inconsolably,” Dubey said.
With Shalini unable to care for the child, both grandmothers have stepped in. The toddler has reportedly lost close to one kilogram in weight and has not been breastfed since the incident.
The family has also suffered financially and emotionally, with both parents unable to return to work. Fear of dogs has intensified, and daily life remains disrupted.
Questions Over Irresponsible Ownership
“This is not about dogs versus humans. This is about irresponsible ownership,” Dubey said. “My wife’s life has changed forever. No family should go through this.”
Neighbours claimed the dog had shown aggressive behaviour in the past. According to Dubey, a delivery executive had earlier been attacked.
“There were warnings. The owners should have acted then,” he said.
However, some residents maintained that the dog was usually calm. One neighbour said the attack happened suddenly and that the owner intervened quickly, preventing further harm.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
The case was registered after the hospital reported it as a medico-legal matter. Police filed an FIR against the dog’s owner for negligence.
Authorities have identified the owner as N Amaresh Reddy. A senior police officer said a legal notice was served, and Reddy appeared before investigators the next day.
“After recording his statement, he was sent back. He will be summoned again as the investigation continues,” the officer said.
When reporters visited the area, the owner’s house was found locked, and neighbours claimed he had not been seen recently.
Renewed Debate on Pet Safety Rules
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over lax enforcement of leash and muzzle regulations and accountability among pet owners in residential areas.
Residents and activists are now urging authorities to strengthen monitoring and impose stricter penalties to prevent similar attacks in the future.
