Stray Dog Crisis Escalates: 6-Year-Old Mauled in Vijayapura, Karnataka

• Anvitha Mallikarjun Shetty, 6, was severely mauled by stray dogs in Vijayapura, sustaining deep lacerations and a critical eye injury.
• Vijayapura reported over 27,990 dog bite cases last year; 144 animal attack cases treated in the first 44 days of 2026.
• Karnataka saw a 36% surge in dog bite cases last year, exceeding 2.3 lakh statewide with nearly 20 rabies fatalities.
• Vijayapura consistently ranks among top districts for dog incidents, alongside Hassan and BBMP limits.
• Public outcry and legal challenges question existing animal control policies, citing Supreme Court directives and Animal Birth Control Rules 2023.