KOTA KINABALU: A teenage boy suffered injuries while trying to escape a pack of stray dogs near Kampung Sabah Baru in Lahad Datu.
The 13-year-old, who was walking home from Lahad Datu town, was suddenly chased by a few aggressive dogs on Monday.
He stumbled and fell, suffering injuries to the left side of his face.
The boy was later taken to hospital and is now recovering, said the police.
Lahad Datu deputy district police chief Supt Jimmy Panyau said a police report was lodged following the incident.
“According to the report, the boy was on his way home from Lahad Datu town when he was suddenly chased by a pack of stray dogs. He fell and injured his face,” he said.
Police view such incidents seriously, especially as they pose a risk to schoolchildren and the wider community.
Authorities have been alerted and are expected to take action on the stray dog threat in the area.
The victim’s case has drawn concern from local residents, many of whom have long complained about the growing number of strays.
One of the most shocking cases occurred on Jan 25, when an elderly woman was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs at the Kunak bus terminal.
CCTV footage showed the woman trying to defend herself before being surrounded and viciously attacked.
Her body was found hours later with multiple bite wounds.
This was, however, not an isolated incident.
In November last year, a two-year-old boy was killed by stray dogs in Kampung Sungai Tohok, Semporna.
In September 2022, a 29-year-old woman was found dead after a suspected dog attack in Kampung Batu, also in Semporna.
The repeated incidents highlight the need for an effective, state-wide strategy to address the growing stray dog population.
