Beyond the Bark: Understanding Kashmir’s Dog Bite Explosion

In Kashmir, the upsurge in dog bite incidents was previously regarded as an occasional nuisance; however, it has now escalated into a significant public health issue. Incidents of stray dog attacks have progressively taken centre stage in news reports, social media and emergency hospital admissions, revealing deficiencies in animal management policies, urban planning, and healthcare infrastructure. Incidents of stray dog attacks are not limited to Kashmir, as cases of dog bites are increasing and resulting in fatalities across various regions.

The magnitude of the issue is not only concerning but also intertwined with social, cultural, and administrative intricacies. Government data presents a concerning overview of the crisis. As reported by local newspapers (2025), Jammu and Kashmir has seen over 100,000 dog bite incidents in just the last three years. The statistics reveal a concerning pattern: reports of dog bite incidents reached 22,110 in 2022, 34,664 in 2023, and a startling 51,027 in 2024. From June 2024 to May 2025, hospitals recorded more than 6,200 new cases, with Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital being among the most severely affected facilities. The crisis presents a distinctly human aspect. Numerous instances involve children, who tend to be more susceptible because of their shorter stature and limited understanding of how to steer clear of aggressive stray animals. Injuries from dog bite can range from minor scratches to severe bites that necessitate immediate post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies.

Rabies: Beyond the immediate physical trauma, the persistent threat of rabies intensifies the issue. Rabies is a deadly zoonotic viral disease that affects an array of domestic and wild animals, and it is transmitted through close contact with the saliva of infected animals, which can occur via bites, scratches, or licks on broken skin and mucous membranes. In India, there are approximately 20,000 deaths related to rabies each year. J&K faces significant risks stemming from insufficient vaccinations for stray dogs, a shortage of stray animal adoptions, and irregular public awareness campaigns. Research indicates that thousands of patients in Kashmir rely on limited supplies of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulins, which frequently leads to delays in treatment. Although tertiary hospitals in Srinagar are prepared to handle large patient volumes, rural health centres frequently report shortages. This geographic disparity in access amplifies risks for those living in isolated areas.

Why are cases escalating?

Several factors explain the surge in dog bite incidents in Kashmir:

Human-animal engagement: The growing density of human settlements, along with the increasing number of stray animals, leads to frequent interactions. Children traveling to school, women fetching water, or farmers working in orchards often become unintended victims.

Urbanization and waste mismanagement: The rapid growth of urban areas, coupled with poor waste management, has established perfect conditions for stray dog populations to thrive. Open garbage sites throughout Srinagar and other cities attract canines, leading to unchecked population growth.

Conflict and social disruption: Ongoing political turmoil in the region has shifted administrative priorities away from initiatives aimed at controlling animal reproduction and vaccination efforts. Situations of conflict have also hindered the provision of regular veterinary services.

Breeding patterns and lack of sterilization: Experts suggest that the stray dog population in Srinagar alone numbers in hundreds of thousands. In the absence of sterilization initiatives, this population continues to grow at a rapid pace.

Institutional reactions: Authorities have made attempts at interventions, albeit with varying degrees of success. Municipal corporations have intermittently initiated sterilization campaigns; however, these efforts are frequently interrupted due to insufficient funding, inadequate infrastructure, or resistance from the public. Occasional culling initiatives have ignited ethical and legal discussions, with animal rights advocates highlighting the importance of humane alternatives. Hospitals have enhanced their anti-rabies facilities, yet the demand for vaccines remains greater than the available supply. Additionally, inadequate record-keeping results in numerous cases going unreported, leading to an underestimation of the actual extent of the crisis. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and veterinary advocates have urged for thorough animal birth control (ABC) programs that are supported by sustainable funding, rather than merely reactive actions in response to public protests.

Socio-cultural dimensions: Cases of dog bites in Kashmir cannot be analysed exclusively from a biomedical lens. They are intertwined with cultural perceptions of animals, religious convictions, and societal behaviours. For example, Islamic teachings that promote sympathy towards animals can sometimes conflict with community anger regarding stray dog attacks, leading to foot-dragging in implementing large-scale solutions. The psychological impact is also significant. Numerous survivors, especially children, experience post-traumatic stress, anxiety about going outdoors, and social stigma linked to visible scars. Families belonging to low-income groups face challenges with the expenses of vaccinations, transportation to medical facilities, and lost income due to missed workdays.

What are the possible solutions?

Experts recommend a comprehensive strategy to address this problem, including improving waste management by closing open garbage dumps to decrease areas where stray dogs gather. Continual sterilization efforts through the establishment of year-round Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres can help control stray dog populations over time. Public awareness campaigns aimed at educating people, particularly children, on how to interact safely with stray dogs can help reduce bites and related incidents. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure by ensuring the availability of rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin in both rural and urban areas is essential. Additionally, systematic collection of data on dog bite cases will aid in monitoring trends and enhancing policy measures.

The road ahead: The increasing number of dog bites in Kashmir is more than just a statistic; it signifies a critical public health crisis with human, institutional, and ethical implications. If not tackled through coordinated policies, strengthened healthcare services, and effective animal management, the problem is expected to worsen. Addressing this emergency requires joint efforts from municipal authorities, health officials, veterinary professionals, NGOs, and community leaders. Fundamentally, the challenge lies in finding a balance between protecting human safety and ensuring compassionate treatment of animals—an urgent goal that Kashmir needs to pursue.

Dr. Abrar Ul Haq Wani, Assistant Professor cum Scientist, Dept. of Medicine, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab.