SRINAGAR, NOV 17: Canines continue to unleash terror in Kashmir as 17 dog bite cases get reported on an average daily across the valley.
Official figures reveal that every year Kashmir witnesses around 6000 dog bite cases indicating around 17 dog bite cases get reported on an average daily in the valley.
Around 6802, 6399, 6984 and 4697 dog bite cases were reported during 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 respectively.
A senior official of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) emphasized the necessity to manage the dog population due to a surge in dog bite cases.
He suggested closing open garbage collection points and highlighted the connection between poultry waste, stray dogs, and public safety.
The official advised people to dispose of waste responsibly and urged vigilance, especially for children and the elderly, recommending caution to avoid provoking dogs.
The stray dogs have created terror in many areas of the valley.
Firdous Ahmad from Dalgate expresses dissatisfaction with the authorities’ inability to address the increasing stray dog population. He noted the prevalence of stray dogs, emphasizing the lack of concern for the growing issue and the resulting fear among children attending school.
Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Rainawari said, “After the sun sets in we are not able to move out of our homes due to the unleashing reign of terror posed by stray dogs in our locality. I even prefer to offer morning and evening prayers at home.”
At the Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Hospital (JLNM), Rainwari, the attendants claimed that dogs are often on the prowl inside the hospital premises during the morning and evening hours.
Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital (SMHS), Srinagar, shares the same tale, where the dogs often chase the attendants, who bring in food for the patients.
“Dozens of stray dogs inside the premises of the hospital have been scaring the masses. We don’t dare to move out of the hospital building due to the reigning threat unleashed by the stray dogs here,” said an attendant, Mushtaq Ali, who was accompanying his elder brother. Officials said dogs are roaming around the hospital, and have become a nuisance for the people. The situation is the same at tertiary care hospital SKIMS Soura where street dogs could be spotted roaming inside the hospital premises.
