Authorities' failure to sterilise stray dogs in Baramulla posing threat to residents

Baramulla, Feb 7: The growing population of stray dogs across Baramulla district has caused concern among residents. Despite repeated demands from the people, authorities have not initiated a sterilization program, leaving citizens worried about their safety, particularly children and elderly persons.

The need for the immediate start of sterlization of stray dogs emerged soon after a renowned advocate of Baramulla town, Abdul Majeed Rather, died after he was attacked by stray dogs at Dewanbag,  Baramulla in December, 2020.

The incident shocked the Baramulla town and demand for the sterlization of stray dogs echoed from nook and corner of the town. Despite authorities' assurance that the sterlization program will be initiated but despite the passing of several years, there has been no headway on the sterlization program so far. "The authorities' silence over the issue is surprising," said Fayaz Ahmad, a local resident.

"From the last few years, the incidents of dog bites have increased manifold, the authorities need to come up with some solution," added Ahmad.

According to locals, the number of stray dogs in the town has significantly increased over the past few years, leading to a rise in dog bite cases.

"It has become dangerous to step out early in the morning or late at night. Packs of stray dogs roam the streets, and many people have been attacked," said Bashir Ahmad, a resident of old town Baramulla.

While the Animal Husbandry Department had earlier submitted a proposal to the government, seeking land and a post-surgery rehabilitation program for dogs, the status of the proposal remains unclear. Officials from the department stressed that dog sterilization is necessary to control their population but stated that capturing stray dogs is the job of Municipal Council authorities. Earlier, the authorities of Animal Husbandry department Baramulla said that sterilisation surgeries at Baramulla or at  Sopore can be carried out by the department, but the Municipal Council needs to step in for capturing and transporting the stray animals. However, the Municipal Council has cited lack of separate funds to initiate a sterilisation drive, leading to an administrative deadlock.