A 6-year-old child was attacked by a German Shepherd in the 5th of July neighborhood (Tinar) in Ouled Saber, Setif, on 13 October while heading to a private lesson. The victim suffered serious head injuries that required urgent hospitalization. Four young men were observed with the dog during the incident and subsequently fled the scene. The Gendarmerie Nationale has launched an investigation into the attack to identify the individuals responsible for the animal. Authorities in Setif are currently working to secure the area as reports of stray dog encounters continue to cause safety concerns among residents.
University Campus Safety Risks
Students at Ferhat Abbas University in Setif face rising risks from stray animals on campus grounds. A student was previously attacked by a pack of stray dogs while walking near the central library. She was traveling toward the tramway station when the encounter occurred. The victim sustained injuries to her legs, thighs, arms, and head during the assault. These incidents have increased safety concerns among the academic community regarding the presence of roaming packs in high-traffic areas near university facilities. University officials have not provided updates on additional security measures following the incident.
Constantine School Zone Dangers
The parents' association of Belkacem Zerdani Primary School in Constantine reported a high density of stray dogs within the immediate vicinity of the school. Members of the association identified several of these animals as originating from nearby construction sites.
A 9-year-old girl in Constantine was chased by a group of dogs last week while walking near the school zone. A passing motorist intervened during the pursuit, saving the child from the animals. The incident has intensified calls for local action to address the presence of roaming dogs near educational facilities in the area.
Public Health and Mitigation
Constantine recently conducted a free vaccination campaign for pets against rabies to manage public health risks. Local officials organized the initiative to provide owners with access to preventative care for their domestic animals. However, the vaccination campaign did not address the stray dog population currently roaming across the city. The program focused exclusively on household pets, leaving the significant numbers of unowned animals outside of its scope. Public health data indicates that rabies remains a concern, yet the current mitigation strategy excludes the stray packs that residents frequently encounter in school zones and residential districts. Authorities have not announced further plans to expand vaccination efforts to include these animals or to implement measures aimed at controlling their presence in urban areas. Residents continue to express safety concerns as the stray population remains largely unaffected by the existing vaccination protocols.
