Muzaffarpur: A three-year-old girl died on Wednesday after being brutally attacked by an American Bulldog in Mohjamma village under Paru police station limits. The child, identified as Shivani, had been undergoing treatment at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) but could not survive the severe head injuries inflicted during the attack.
Shivani’s father, Kamlesh Sahni, said the incident occurred on Tuesday evening when his daughter was walking with her siblings to attend a puja at a village temple. A youth from a locally influential family was walking the dog, which had been purchased just 15 days ago from the Sonpur fair.
According to the family, the handler lost grip of the chain, causing the American Bulldog to charge toward the children. While two managed to flee, Shivani was caught by the dog. “The dog grabbed her head, pulling her hair and skin. She became unconscious. We rushed her to the Central Health Center, where she was given first aid and then referred to SKMCH,” the father said.
Despite efforts to save her, Shivani died the next afternoon. The family alleges delays and inadequate treatment contributed to her death. The tragedy has triggered sorrow and anger among villagers, who are demanding strict action.
Shivani was the youngest among four siblings. Paru Police Station Officer Chandan Kumar confirmed the child’s death, stating that no formal complaint has been lodged so far. “If the family files a complaint, an FIR will be registered and action will follow,” he said.
Experts note that a dog’s behavior depends significantly on its environment and diet. Ajit Kumar, former director of the Institute of Animal and Animal Production, said dogs may become aggressive under certain conditions. He explained that rabid dogs attack due to fear and display symptoms such as drooling and restlessness, while dogs that have tasted flesh may attack with the intent to kill and eat.
The incident has raised concerns over the growing trend of keeping aggressive breeds without proper training or safety measures in rural areas. Villagers are calling for accountability and preventive steps to ensure such tragedies do not recur.
