A routine morning walk turned into a nightmare for Shalini Kumari Dubey, a 31-year-old working professional and mother, when she was brutally attacked by a neighbor's Rottweiler in Bengaluru on January 26. The incident, which occurred in HSR Layout's Teachers' Colony, has left her with over 80 stitches across her face, throat, and head.

Shalini was taking her usual morning walk when the unleashed and unmuzzled Rottweiler charged at her as its owner opened the gate. CCTV footage captured the horrifying moment the dog lunged, pinning her to the ground and attacking her face and neck.

The severity of the attack required Shalini to undergo nearly eight hours of surgery. One of the wounds, a 7cm gash, was dangerously close to her airway, with doctors stating that "another centimetre and it could have been fatal". While physically recovering in the hospital, Shalini is also grappling with emotional trauma, including flashbacks and anxiety, and is consulting a clinical psychologist. Doctors have warned that some scars may be permanent.

Satya Prakash Dubey, Shalini's husband, has filed a complaint against the dog's owner, Amareesh Reddy, at the HSR Layout police station, alleging negligence. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation.

Beyond her own pain, Shalini is deeply concerned about the impact on her 17-month-old daughter. Her child has been inconsolable and is being cared for by her grandmothers. Shalini worries whether her daughter will recognize her due to the facial injuries. The child has already lost close to 1kg of weight. The entire family has been traumatized by the event.

This incident has sparked outrage and concern among the community, raising questions about pet owner responsibility and public safety. The debate around dangerous dog breeds has also resurfaced. Just last December, a woman in Davanagere, Karnataka, was killed in a Rottweiler attack, highlighting the potential danger these dogs can pose if not properly trained and managed.

The Supreme Court has ordered all stray dogs removed from the country's streets and highways.