It was just after 7 a.m. in Bengaluru’s upscale HSR Layout—a time when sidewalks are usually filled with joggers, dog walkers, and chai vendors. But on this particular morning, tranquility shattered into terror.
Shalini Dubey, a 34-year-old resident, was on her routine walk when a large dog—later identified as a German Shepherd—lunged at her without warning. According to police reports and eyewitnesses, the animal bit her face, hands, and legs, causing severe lacerations, especially around her neck and jaw. The entire assault was captured on nearby CCTV cameras, sparking public outrage and reigniting debates about pet ownership laws in urban India.
Her husband, Rajesh Dubey, filed a formal complaint against the dog’s owner, Amaresh Reddy, accusing him of gross negligence. Within 48 hours, the Bengaluru City Police booked Reddy under Sections 308 (attempt to cause hurt) and 289 (negligent conduct with respect to animals) of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—replacing the old IPC provisions.
Table of Contents
- The Incident: What the CCTV Revealed
- Legal Action: How the BNS Changes Accountability
- Is This a Pattern? Bengaluru’s Rising Pet Incidents
- Victim’s Trauma and Road to Recovery
- What to Do If You Encounter an Aggressive Dog
- Conclusion: Safety Starts with Responsible Ownership
- Sources
The Incident: What the CCTV Revealed
The footage, reviewed by authorities, shows Reddy walking his dog without a leash near the 6th Main Road in Sector 3. As Shalini passed by—keeping a respectful distance—the dog suddenly broke free and charged at her. She tried to shield herself, but the animal clamped onto her face and dragged her down.
“There was no provocation,” said a local shopkeeper who witnessed the event. “She didn’t even look at the dog. It just attacked.”
Shalini was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she received over 20 stitches and is now undergoing treatment for potential nerve damage. Doctors say she may require reconstructive surgery.
Legal Action: How the BNS Changes Accountability
Under the old Indian Penal Code (IPC), Section 289 carried a maximum penalty of ₹500 or six months in jail—widely seen as inadequate. The new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), effective from July 2024, significantly strengthens penalties:
- Section 289 (BNS): Up to two years imprisonment and/or fine for negligent handling of animals that endanger human life.
- Section 308 (BNS): Covers “acts done with intent to cause harm,” which can apply if recklessness is proven.
This case marks one of the first high-profile applications of the BNS in a pet-related assault, setting a potential precedent for future incidents.
Is This a Pattern? Bengaluru’s Rising Pet Incidents
Bengaluru has seen a sharp rise in dog-related complaints. According to BBMP data, over 1,200 cases of dog bites were reported in 2025 alone—up 35% from 2023. Many involve unleashed pets in residential zones like Koramangala, Indiranagar, and HSR Layout.
While pet ownership has surged post-pandemic, civic awareness hasn’t kept pace. “People treat dogs like accessories, not responsibilities,” says Dr. Meera Iyer, a veterinarian and animal behaviorist. “A German Shepherd isn’t a poodle—it needs training, socialization, and strict control in public.”
For more on urban pet regulations, see our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:responsible-pet-ownership-laws-in-india].
Victim’s Trauma and Road to Recovery
Beyond physical wounds, Shalini is grappling with PTSD. “She wakes up screaming,” her husband shared. “She’s afraid to step outside—even to check the mailbox.”
The family is also facing mounting medical bills, as insurance initially denied coverage, citing “animal-related exclusions.” They’ve since launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover surgery and therapy costs.
What to Do If You Encounter an Aggressive Dog
If you find yourself in a similar situation, experts recommend:
- Do NOT run or scream—this triggers chase instincts.
- Stand sideways, avoid direct eye contact.
- Use a bag, umbrella, or jacket as a barrier.
- Back away slowly—never turn your back.
- Report immediately to local police and BBMP Animal Cell (Call 1916).
The Animal Welfare Board of India also provides emergency protocols for such encounters.
Conclusion: Safety Starts with Responsible Ownership
The Bengaluru dog attack is more than a tragic incident—it’s a wake-up call. Pet ownership comes with legal, ethical, and social duties. Leashing your dog isn’t optional; it’s a non-negotiable act of civic responsibility.
As cities grow denser, coexistence demands discipline. Let Shalini’s ordeal be the catalyst for change—not just in Bengaluru, but across India.
Sources
- Times of India: ‘Bit her face, hands and legs’: CCTV captures horrific dog attack in Bengaluru – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/man-booked-after-his-pet-injures-woman-in-bengaluru/articleshow/127808424.cms
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 – Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
- BBMP Animal Bite Statistics (2025) – Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike
- Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) Guidelines – https://awbi.org/