Mangaluru: In a horrifying incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a 60-year-old man was mauled to death by a pack of street dogs in the Kumpala area of Ullal taluk, Dakshina Kannada district.
The victim, identified as Dayanand, was found dead in a blood-soaked condition in a residential area, with his eyes reportedly gouged out by the ferocious animals. The brutal nature of the attack has intensified calls from locals for immediate and effective measures to control the burgeoning street dog population.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning. Dayanand, who was unmarried and reportedly had a drinking habit, was known to attend local festivals and gatherings (Nema, Kola, Jatre) before often sleeping in front of shops in Kumpala and returning home in the mornings.
According to Vinod, a local shop owner, Dayanand was last seen in front of his shop around 3:30 AM. Hours later, at approximately 7:30 AM, residents were horrified to discover an eyeball lying near an adjacent shop, along with bloodstains. Further investigation led to the discovery of Dayanand’s lifeless body in front of a nearby house, with a dog still present near the remains, strongly suggesting a canine attack.
Local residents have long complained about the severe menace of street dogs in the Someshwara Municipality limits, particularly in Kumpala. The latest incident has only amplified their fears, especially for children. “If these deadly dogs don’t spare adults, how can we expect them to leave our children unharmed?” expressed one anxious parent, reflecting the widespread panic in the area.
Ullal police immediately arrived at the scene to inspect the area. Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and Soco teams also visited the site to collect evidence. Ravi Shankar, Vice President of Someshwara Municipality, assured the public that concrete steps would be taken to control the street dog population.
The community is demanding swift action from the local administration, emphasizing the urgency to prevent any further loss of life. The incident underscores a growing public health and safety crisis posed by uncontrolled stray animal populations in urban and semi-urban areas.
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