Tragic Death of 12-Year-Old Girl in Yakutia Due to Stray Dog Attack
A heartbreaking incident in Yakutia has resulted in the death of a 12-year-old girl from Chulman after being attacked by a pack of stray dogs. The local Ministry of Health confirmed that despite medical efforts, the girl succumbed to her injuries sustained during the attack on October 7. Her father, Valery K., expressed his frustration over the long-standing issue of stray dogs in their village, stating that there are more wild dogs than residents. Valery had previously purchased a whistle to scare away dogs for his daughter, but it remains unclear if she had it with her during the attack.
The tragic event unfolded when the girl was returning home from a friend's house and was cornered by the dogs near a garage area. A passerby attempted to help, and her father arrived shortly after, but the situation was dire. The girl was rushed to the Neryungri Central District Hospital, where she was treated for severe bite wounds but unfortunately did not survive.
In response to the incident, the Investigative Committee of Yakutia has opened a criminal case regarding the negligence of local officials in managing the stray dog population. Investigators are currently reviewing how the district has handled the issue of stray animals and have received no prior complaints from residents about the dangers posed by these dogs.
Community Outcry and Calls for Action
Following the girl's death, community members have voiced their concerns on social media and in local media about the persistent problem of stray dogs in Chulman. Residents gathered at the village administration to demand action from local authorities. Valery K. criticized the existing laws that prevent effective control of the stray dog population, attributing the tragedy to the humane treatment laws advocated by animal rights activists.
In response to the growing public outcry, the head of Chulman, Stalik Deryagin, assured residents that efforts to capture stray dogs would be intensified. The district administration confirmed that the dogs involved in the attack had already been captured, and plans are underway to humanely euthanize them. Additionally, a new holding facility for stray animals is set to open soon in Chulman, following significant funding allocated for managing the stray animal population.
The recent incident has reignited discussions surrounding the controversial law passed in June that allows for the euthanization of stray dogs if they are not adopted within 30 days. This law, which has not yet been implemented, has sparked debate between supporters and animal rights activists, highlighting the complexities of managing stray animals while ensuring public safety.
