Woman Mauled by Rottweiler During Morning Walk in Bengaluru, Suffers Severe Facial Injuries

Bengaluru: A shocking incident from India’s IT capital has sparked serious concerns over irresponsible pet ownership. A 31-year-old woman was brutally attacked by a pet Rottweiler during her morning walk, suffering grievous injuries to her face, neck, and head that required more than 80 stitches.

The victim, Shalini Kumari Dubey, a working professional and mother of a 17-month-old child, was attacked on the morning of January 26 near her home in the Teachers’ Colony of HSR Layout. What was meant to be a routine walk turned into a life-threatening ordeal that has left her physically scarred and emotionally traumatized.

According to her family, the neighbour’s Rottweiler was let out without a leash or muzzle. As soon as the gate was opened, the dog lunged at Shalini, knocked her to the ground, and repeatedly attacked her face and neck. CCTV footage of the incident shows the dog charging immediately after the gate opened.

Critical Injuries, Hours-Long Surgery

Shalini suffered deep bite wounds across her face, throat, and scalp. Doctors performed an eight-hour surgery to save her life. One of the most dangerous injuries was a 7-centimetre-long wound on her neck, dangerously close to her windpipe.

Her husband, Satya Prakash Dubey, said, “Had the wound been just one centimetre closer, she would not have survived.”

Doctors have warned that some facial scars may be permanent.

Psychological Trauma

Shalini has been hospitalised for over a week and is undergoing psychological counselling. Family members say she repeatedly relives the attack and is struggling with anxiety and fear. Her biggest concern, according to her husband, is whether her young child will recognise her because of the facial injuries.

“This is not a conflict between humans and animals,” Satya Prakash said. “This is a case of grossly irresponsible ownership. Warnings were ignored. My wife survived, but her life has changed forever. No family should have to endure this pain.”

Police Action Initiated

The hospital registered the case as a medico-legal matter, following which the police lodged an FIR against the dog’s owner, N. Amaresh Reddy, for negligence. Neighbours have alleged that the same dog had displayed aggressive behaviour in the past and had earlier attacked a delivery executive.

The incident has reignited debate over enforcement of pet safety rules in residential areas and the accountability of dog owners in urban India.