Srinagar struggles with dog menace, residents live in fear

Srinagar, Oct 14: The escalating population of stray dogs in Srinagar city has become a persistent nightmare for residents, with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) struggling to contain the menace.
The streets of Srinagar are now teeming with stray dogs, leaving residents terrified and demanding immediate action. “It is terrifying to walk on streets with dogs roaming freely,” said Muzaffar Ahmad, a resident of Hyderpora. “They attack without warning, and we’re living in constant fear.”
In Rajbagh, locals complain of increased dog attacks. “My child was bitten by a stray dog last week,” said Nazia Akhtar, still shaken by the incident. “The wound was deep, and we had to undergo a series of rabies shots.”
Shopkeepers in Lal Chowk struggle to keep dogs away from their businesses. “They scavenge for food, causing nuisance and driving customers away,” said Bilal Ahmad.
The situation is equally dire in other areas, including Bemina, Batamaloo, and Soura. “Dogs roam freely in our locality, and we are too scared to venture out,” said Umer Bashir, a Bemina resident.
SMC officials attribute the issue to lack of resources and infrastructure. “We are working to sterilize and relocate dogs, but it is a massive task requiring significant funding and manpower,” said an SMC official.
However, locals demand more concrete action. “SMC must take immediate measures to address this issue,” said Muzaffar Ahmad. “We can’t live in fear forever.”
Experts warn of the risks associated with stray dog populations, including rabies transmission and other diseases. “Stray dogs can carry deadly diseases, and their bites can be fatal,” said a local veterinarian.
The SMC has launched initiatives to sterilize and vaccinate stray dogs, but progress has been slow. “We have sterilized over 5,000 dogs, but more needs to be done,” admitted the SMC official.
As the situation continues to worsen, residents are losing patience. “We urge the authorities to take immediate action and restore our right to safe streets,” said Nazia Akhtar. [KNT]