For every 13 people, there is one dog in Srinagar SMC in slumber as sterilization pace slow

Srinagar, Aug 19: The dog population ratio indicates that there is one dog for every 13 humans, which is concerning for the general public given the rise in dog bite incidents and the Srinagar Municipal Corporation’s inability to maintain the required speed of its sterilisation campaign.

Data obtained from the SMHS Hospital’s Anti-Rabies Clinic reveals that Srinagar is the worst-affected district for dog bites. According to the most recent census, 4912 individuals in the district with a population of 17 lakh were bitten by dogs between April 2022 and March 2023. More than 70% of dog bite incidents in Kashmir may be attributed to this. In the district of Srinagar, more than 13 people are bitten by dogs every day on average.
Given the severe threat that an out-of-control dog population poses to the general populace, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation’s callous attitude is concerning since it has not complied with its vow to sterilise canines at the necessary rate.
A campaign to sterilise dogs has been started by Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) in the summer capital city.
According to official statistics, over 3000 dogs were sterilised between April 14 and August 10. Dogs in the city have also received anti-rabies vaccinations. In order to expedite the endeavour, SMC has opened a dog sterilisation facility in Tengpora.
However, officials acknowledge the fact that the pace at which this sterilisation campaign should start, it is not being done.
“There are some rules that we must abide by. Dogs need to be caught and delivered to the same location. Dogs mark the area where they live. The local canines won’t let them in if they are released somewhere else. They will therefore get more vicious, according to a senior SMC official who spoke to Morning Kashmir.
According to official data, 6855 dog bite incidents were reported to the SMHS Hospital’s Anti-Rabies Clinic in 2022–2023. With 4912 dog attacks in the past year, the Srinagar district leads the list.
In Srinagar city, there are between 60,000 and 70,000 dogs, according to conservative estimates. SMC has engaged a company to sterilise dogs. The authorities have also chosen to vaccinate the canines in addition to sterilising them.
“We pick a certain ward and round up dogs for sterilisation. Even dogs are now cognizant. They run away each time they spot the vehicle. Therefore, we must use a scientific approach to trap dogs. Dog releases are a concern because it infuriates people. To do our duties more effectively, we need the public’s assistance, according to officials.