Opinion | Growing Menace of Stray Dogs

There is a dire need to free Kashmir from the pestering problem of stray dogs

Known for stunning nature beauty, snow clad mountains, sprawling meadows, rich cultural heritage etc. the picturesque landscape of Kashmir has no parallel any where in the world. But how sad, certain problems eclipse the whole beauty of this paradise on earth! One such most pestering predicament where we need to introspect is the surge in population of stray dogs that with each passing day becomes grave. The growing canine threat which has increased manifold over the years must be seriously dealt with. Otherwise, God forbid, the day will come when dog mauling cases will be reported from every where

These stray dogs are found in herds everywhere particularly in Srinagar city. However, one of the major concerns is the safety of people, especially children and the elderly. Though there are number of stray dog incidents that have occurred till date. Yet, the recent heart-wrenching incident of north Kashmirs Pattan and Sumbal areas on 08 June, where four children under the age of five years were brutally mauled by a pack of stray dogs. The incident sent shivers down the spine.
I am not writing this piece to satisfy my whims but my whole intention behind filling this piece in GK with the breathings of my heart is the hope that the proactive measures are taken by the concerned to address the root cause of this issue. Pattan and Sumbal incident that went viral on different social media platforms sank everyones heart. These recent incidents have also created a sense of fear among people. In some cases, these bites can lead to serious infections, including rabies, which is a life threatening disease. We now find it difficult to walk outside our edifices without having anyone along, especially during early mornings and late evenings when the likelihood of getting chased and attacked by pack of dogs remains more.
There are several causes behind the menace of rising stray dogs population. The improper handling of garbage is one important contributing cause. These canines have a plenty of food sources in the shape of leftover and open trash dumps, which lead to their population growth. Furthermore, there arent enough birth control methods for animals in place, such as sterilization which would aid in population management.
Efforts to tackle this grave problem go with the turtles speed. The government and numerous non-governmental organizations have no doubt launched projects to sterilize and vaccinate stray canines which try to minimize their birth rates while also protecting them from disease. However, the size of these projects is generally insufficient to have any substantial influence on the problem that is on surge with each passing day.
Public awareness campaigns are also important. Educating people about how to handle stray dogs and encouraging responsible pet ownership can help. If more people spay and neuter their pets and dispose of waste properly, the stray dog problem can be controlled better. Another approach is creating shelters for stray dogs. These shelters can provide a safe space for the animals, where they can be fed, cared for, and kept away from the streets. This would reduce the risk of dog attacks and improve the overall situation.
Despite these efforts, there is still a long way to go. The stray dog issue in Kashmir requires a co-ordinated and sustained effort from both the government and the community. By working together, implementing effective waste management, promoting animal birth control, and raising awareness, it is possible to manage and eventually reduce the stray dog population. This would lead to a safer and healthier environment for both the people and the dogs. The sooner, the better.

Hilal Ahmad Tantray is research scholar at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
hilalmohiuddin614@gmail.com