Srinagar: Stray dogs continue to pose a grave threat across Kashmir, with an alarming average of 18 dog bite cases reported daily. Official data indicates that the region records between 6,000 and 6,500 dog bite cases annually.
A senior official from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) highlighted the urgent need to curb the growing stray dog population. “Open garbage points, particularly those with poultry waste, attract stray dogs and must be closed. Responsible waste management is critical for public safety,” the official emphasized, urging residents to remain vigilant, especially for children and the elderly.
The menace has instilled fear and inconvenience among residents across the valley. Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Batamaloo, expressed his frustration: “Children are scared to attend school, and authorities have done little to address this escalating crisis.”
In Nowpora, Bashir Ahmad shared how the issue has disrupted daily life. “After sunset, we are confined to our homes due to stray dogs. I’ve even stopped attending mosque prayers during early morning and evening hours,” he lamented.
The crisis extends to public spaces, including hospitals and educational institutions. At Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Hospital (JLNM) Rainawari and Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital (SMHS), stray dogs freely roam the premises, creating panic among patients and their attendants.
“Dozens of dogs inside the hospital compound terrify us. We avoid stepping out due to the constant threat,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, an attendant at SMHS Hospital. Similar problems are reported at SKIMS Soura and Kashmir University, where stray dogs wander unchecked, adding to the growing sense of insecurity among the public.
Residents are calling for immediate action from authorities to address this pressing issue and ensure public safety. (With KINS Inputs)
