A tragic incident has been reported from Chhattisgarh’s Surguja district, where stray dogs attacked an animal rescue centre, leading to the death of at least 15 deer. The incident has raised serious concerns about security lapses, with forest department officials launching an investigation.

According to forest department sources, the attack took place at Sanjay Van Vatika in Ambikapur on Saturday night. The centre, which functions similarly to a zoo and is open to visitors, is meant to provide a safe environment for rescued animals.

Preliminary findings suggest that four to five stray dogs entered the deer enclosure, possibly from a nearby forest area. The Surguja Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) confirmed that 14 deer died during the attack on Saturday night, while another injured deer succumbed on Sunday. Officials have confirmed that the deaths were caused by the dog attack.

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Many X users are reacting to this careless behaviour of staff members. One X user wrote,"Oh nothibg new, humans invading the homes of wildlife by destroying their habitat and making them homeless."

Another wrote,"Idiotic dog haters will jump and say here that dogs are the problem here conveniently ignoring that wildlife is losing acres of habitat every minute in this country because of humans."

Negligence allegations and action taken

The incident has led to allegations of negligence by forest staff. Acting on this, authorities have suspended one deputy ranger and three forest guards for dereliction of duty. A show-cause notice has also been issued to Ambikapur Forest Ranger Akashpalak Rishi, asking him to respond within five days. Officials have indicated that strict action may follow based on the findings.

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The Surguja DFO has stated that a committee has been formed to investigate how the stray dogs managed to enter the enclosure and to fix accountability.