Ahmedabad, Gujarat — The owner of a Rottweiler that fatally mauled a four-month-old infant in the Hathijan area of Ahmedabad was arrested on Wednesday for negligence. The incident took place on Monday night at Radhe Residency near Lalgebi Circle, where the dog, named Rocky, attacked baby Rishika Dabhi while in the arms of a young woman. The dog’s owner, Dilip Patel, and his daughter-in-law, Vidhi Patel—who was handling the dog when it attacked—are now under police scrutiny, with Vidhi likely to face arrest soon.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to police reports, Vidhi Patel brought Rocky into the society’s compound while talking on the phone. The dog suddenly broke free and first attacked a woman sitting nearby before turning on the infant she was holding. The baby, Rishika Dabhi, was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. The woman sustained injuries but survived.
Neighbors intervened to rescue the victims and alerted authorities. Police filed a case under sections 106(1) and 291 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, covering death due to negligence and negligent conduct with animals.
Owner’s Negligence and Legal Charges
Police investigations revealed that Rocky was never registered with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), nor was it vaccinated or neutered. Despite repeated complaints about the dog biting locals, Dilip Patel continued to take Rocky out without proper control or restraint.
After the attack, Dilip allegedly attempted to hide Rocky at his brother-in-law’s residence, raising further questions about responsibility and accountability.
DYSP Astha Rana stated, “The accused failed to follow mandatory procedures such as dog registration and vaccinations. We are ensuring strict action is taken.”
Dog Impounded and Medical Evaluation Underway
The AMC has impounded Rocky and will conduct medical tests to determine the cause of its sudden aggression. Authorities and animal experts note that Rottweilers are a strong and protective breed requiring special training and supervision. Without proper handling, such dogs can pose a risk, especially in residential areas with children.
Rushikesh Patel, spokesperson for the Gujarat state government, said, “Aggressive breeds of dogs cannot be kept recklessly; if this happens, legal action will be taken against the owners. The government will soon release a policy on this, considering the court’s directions and existing regulations.”
Public Safety and Community Concerns
The attack has raised concerns among residents about the presence of large, unrestrained dogs in urban neighborhoods. Many demand stricter enforcement of pet ownership laws and better awareness campaigns on responsible handling of potentially dangerous breeds.
Experts emphasize the importance of registering dogs, vaccinating them, and following leash laws to prevent tragedies. The case highlights how negligence in pet ownership can lead to devastating consequences for families and communities.
What Comes Next?
The police continue to investigate the case, with the possibility of charges against Vidhi Patel. The court will review the evidence of negligence and compliance with animal control laws.
The impounded dog remains under observation, with decisions pending on its future, balancing public safety and animal welfare considerations.
