Stray dog menace escalates in Banihal

Banihal, Oct 3: Stray dogs have become a growing threat in various areas of Ramban district, with Banihal town emerging as a hotspot.

Residents report that after sunset, the movement of people is severely restricted due to packs of roaming dogs in and around Banihal town.

Local residents told Greater Kashmir that areas along the old Jammu-Srinagar National Highway including Gundadalkoot, Dak Bunglow, Bus Stand, hospital road, Nagbal and the old toll post have witnessed multiple packs of stray dogs becoming active, sometimes even venturing into nearby villages.

According to locals, stray dog attacks over the past year have claimed the lives of several individuals and livestock, including sheep and goats.

They recalled the tragic incident of two years ago, when a police Sub Inspector Mohammad Rafiq Naik, succumbed to injuries sustained in a dog attack. Despite these incidents, they claim, no concrete action has been taken to remove stray dogs.

Expressing concern, Muhammad Idrees Wani, president of the Banihal Volunteers Organization, told Greater Kashmir that the movement of stray dog packs increased in recent months. Wani emphasised that the situation was becoming increasingly dangerous and called for immediate intervention by the administration and Banihal Municipal Committee.

Shopkeepers of Banihal town alleged that dozens of people were injured in dog attacks while livestock in several villages was targeted.

Earlier this year, nearly a dozen people were reportedly injured in attacks in the Lambar and Chereel areas. Despite these incidents, residents claim that Banihal Municipal Committee has yet to take any effective measures to control the dog menace.