Stray Dog Saves Girl from Becoming Another Kidnapping Statistic

Dogs are more than our companions. They become our friends and family members, often loyal to a fault when protecting their people.

The Hernandez family of Pasadena, TX, found out in 2018 how resilient the family dog could be when a stranger grabbed their daughter by the arm. He tried dragging her into a dark SUV near their home.

Their 15-pound beagle-terrier mix, named Ray, saw the events unfolding. He pursued the suspect and bit him in the leg, allowing the 11-year-old girl to run away from the attacker to safety. [1]

It’s one thing when the family dog takes its job seriously and keeps everyone safe. When a stray takes that duty upon themselves in a similar situation, it changes our perception of what good girls and boys are.

A Viral Video Shows a Stray Dog Save a Girl

In a 2023 video believed to be from India, a building’s CCTV captures the scenes from outside. A young girl in a red coat is walking down an alley when a car speeds up, passes her, and then slows down. [2]

As she continues walking forward, the car screeches to a halt. The passenger door is opened, and the girl becomes extremely frightened. This emotional reaction triggers the reaction of a stray dog, who starts barking.

From out of nowhere, another dog then comes to confront the vehicle, getting in between the girl and the unidentified girl. The barking is loud, with hackles high, and the would-be kidnapper decides to slam the door and drive away.

The dog chases after the car as it speeds out of the frame.

After a moment, the girl realizes the full impact of what has just happened to her. She starts looking for help as the clip ends. Watch it here:

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Street dog saves school girl from getting kidnapped. #street #dog
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Kidnapping Is a Persistent Problem in India

While official statistics show a decline in the overall crime rate, kidnapping remains a persistent problem. Children, brides, and ransom-based targets occur frequently.

A child could be kidnapped for illegal adoption or forced labor. When ransom is the desired outcome, wealthier kids are often targeted to maximize the monetary gain from the efforts.

In 2018, over 200,000 children in India were missing. Police were able to trace 3,000 kids in only four days with the introduction of facial recognition technology. Since then, the issue has grown in complexity as everyone adapts to the technological evolution. [3]

Even with the improvements, there are still 11 abductions happening every hour in the country. The issue is so extensive that it is almost impossible for the authorities to manually review photographs to match children. [4]

“We are serious about tackling the crime against children, which has been the priority for the police force,” said Crime Commissioner Ashok Morale. “We established the Child Protection Unit to have a dedicated team out to deal with the missing and kidnapped children as their childhood cannot be compensated in money.” [5]

Although privacy issues are associated with facial recognition technology, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights in India feels the benefits outweigh the potential negatives.

Street Dogs Need Our Support

Organizations like Four Paws are helping street dogs live better lives as they work with them to treat chronic health issues, including hunger and thirst.

Most street dogs are friendly to humans because they’ve had plenty of contact. When they receive food and attention from others in the community, it feels like they’ve got a pack.

“I wish that one day, our commitment to animals would be no longer necessary,” said Founder Heli Dungler. “We humans must learn that a respectful treatment of animals is the only solution for a common life together.”

Dungler’s legacy includes numerous crises and disaster emergency aid for animals. In his view, the welfare of the animals around us was part of humanitarian aid. His organization intervenes in rescues from dog meat traders to big cats that need a safe place to live.

Although dogs are eager to please when they’re part of a pack, that trait can often lead them to masking injuries or health issues. Changes in temperament often signal pain or discomfort.

If you encounter a stray dog without a collar, the best option is to contact the local animal control authorities.