Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Dec 14: The increasing number of stray dogs in this central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district has created a reign of scare among the people who demand a permanent solution to curb the menace.
The people of several Ganderbal villages said that the growing canine population has become a serious concern and they are unable to move around, especially during the wee hours.
They said the authorities are turning a deaf ear to their frequent requests of curbing the menace.
The areas where dogs are seen on the prowl include busy markets of Kangan, Prang, Wussan, Fethpora, Ganderbal town and other places.
The sub-district hospitals and public health centres are no exception. Dogs are seen roaming inside the premises and many times inside the buildings. This has created an alarming situation and the calls to control the canine population are growing.
“These stray dogs have made our lives hell. We are deeply concerned about our children and women folk. Even elderly people face the threat,” said a youth, Aijaz Tantray from Ganderbal town.
Tantray said parents do not let their children go outside and accompany them to tuitions and darsgah classes. “Our elders are also scared and they have to take sticks along with them while going to masjid for morning and night prayers,” he said.
The people of the district allege that the steep rise in dog population was due to their transportation from urban areas during night hours. They have appealed to the authorities to tackle the menace at the earliest.
They have reiterated their appeal to the municipal authorities to take the matter seriously and find a permanent solution to the canine threat.
