Chennai man mauled to death in unprovoked attack by neighbour’s pet pitbull

A 55-year-old man, identified as Karunakaran, died in Chennai’s Kumaran Nagar near Jafferkhanpet on Tuesday after being attacked by his neighbour’s pet Pitbull. The incident occurred as he walked along a narrow lane towards a common toilet in the residential area.

Police officials said the Pitbull bit Karunakaran on his thighs and genital area, causing severe bleeding. Residents rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries on the way. “He had to pass her house and that’s when the pet Pitbull attacked him. The dog bit him on his thighs and genitalia. He collapsed instantly,” said an official of the Greater Chennai Corporation.

The dog’s owner, Poongodi, was injured while trying to restrain the Pitbull. She is undergoing treatment at a government hospital. A police personnel from R6 police station stated, “She is undergoing treatment at a government hospital. After she is discharged, action will be taken against her under the sections in which she has been booked.”

Chennai police have registered a case against Poongodi under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 106 (negligence leading to death) and 291 (negligent conduct concerning animals). The Pitbull has been captured and placed under observation at a civic animal shelter. Authorities confirmed that an inquiry is ongoing and further action will follow.

This is the second reported Pitbull attack in Chennai this month. Earlier, on August 3, a seven-year-old girl suffered serious facial injuries from a Pitbull owned by a local resident. Police booked that owner under BNS Sections 125 and 291, and the dog was taken to a shelter. Civic authorities have emphasized caution around unrestrained aggressive dog breeds to prevent further incidents.