In yet another tragic case of a fatal dog attack in Chennai, a 55-year-old resident, Karunakaran, died after being mauled by a pit bull near his neighbour’s house in Jafferkhanpet on 19 August 2025. Witnesses, including his family and neighbours, were left shocked as he collapsed and died instantly during the attack.
According to Karunakaran’s sister, Kannima, the residents had repeatedly warned the authorities about the danger posed by the animal. She recalled that a formal complaint had been lodged with the police several months earlier. “The owner, Poongodi, is directly responsible for my brother’s death. Despite owning a bigger house elsewhere, she moved into this small house alone and insisted the dog was needed for her safety, citing disputes with her sons. When R6 police officials came to inspect after our complaint, she refused to relocate the dog and managed to avoid action through political backing. If the authorities had acted then, this tragedy could have been prevented,” Kannima alleged.
His niece, K. Padmavathi, recounted how the incident unfolded. “The dog was always aggressive. Around 2:30 p.m., we heard Poongodi shouting for help as the animal turned on her. My uncle rushed forward to save her, but the dog attacked him viciously, biting him in the genital area and refusing to release him. He collapsed immediately, and none of us could overpower the dog,” she said.
Chennai Corporation’s veterinary team later arrived with nets and managed to capture the pit bull. Meanwhile, corporation workers disinfected the street after discovering bloodstains and tissue remains scattered near the site of the attack.
Poongodi, who also sustained injuries, has been admitted to a hospital. Since the animal could not be restrained by locals or police, GCC Ward 139 councillor P. Subramani called in the civic veterinary unit, which secured the dog around 4 p.m. and transported it to the Kannamapet shelter.
The incident has sparked demands from residents urging the civic body to enforce strict controls on breeding and keeping of dangerous dog breeds in residential areas. Police officials confirmed that a negligence case has been registered against Poongodi and that she will be arrested once discharged from the hospital.
Meanwhile, senior civic officials noted that discussions are already underway on whether regulations should be introduced to control the ownership and breeding of ferocious dog breeds within Chennai city.
(With inputs from The Hindu)
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