No let-up in stray dog menace in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 18: Failure of authorities to check the growing stray dog menace in the summer capital is taking a toll on people, especially kids and the elderly.

Locals from various Srinagar areas said that with no check on dog menace, there is an increase in stray dog bites. The locals said that open waste dumpers on roads have become a breeding ground for dogs.

“Let alone pedestrians, even commuters on two-wheelers are attacked by dogs in broad daylight in Srinagar. It has become a matter of concern for parents to let their kids out due to fear of dogs in Srinagar,” said Ishfaq Ahmad, a local.

Locals from even posh areas like Jawahar Nagar and adjoining areas said that on a daily basis, they are facing dog attacks. They said earlier this month, dogs attacked and injured a mechanic who was fixing a vehicle on the road at Jawahar Nagar.

“We are living in fear as the authorities are sitting on the issue. Recently a group of children had a narrow escape after dogs chased them. We appeal to authorities to look into the issue so that people can venture out without fear,” said a local from Jawahar Nagar.

The traders in Downtown and the city centre areas also complained about stray dog menace. They say the issue is not only posing a threat to locals but has also defaced the city. They said shoppers are also fearing to navigate around amid a growing population of dogs.

“As the authorities are spending huge amount of money to beautify the city, the issue of dogs has been neglected. There are only talks of dog sterilisation centers, but we see no progress in this regard,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a shopkeeper from Downtown.

According to the officials, the Anti-Rabies Clinic SMHS received over 8,000 cases of dog bites from April 2023 to March 2024, with the majority of cases reported from Srinagar.

Dr Tawheed Ahmed, SMC Veterinary Officer, claimed that the dog sterilisation programme is in full swing. He said that it will take some time to show results.

“We have covered the majority of the wards under SMC where dogs are being sterilised. We will continue the process in winter, too, so that the issue will be addressed accordingly,” he said.

However, people decry the slow pace of sterilisation facilities. “There is no impact of so-called sterilisation of dogs as their population has increased manifold. All areas are dotted with dogs. SMC has failed to check the stray dog menace,” said Abdul Hamid a commuter while pointing toward a pack of stray dogs in Srinagar’s commercial hub Lal Chowk.