Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a growing public health and civic safety crisis as dog bite cases continue to surge at an alarming rate. With over 2.12 lakh incidents reported since 2022, the numbers reflect a disturbing reality—nearly 150 people are bitten every single day. These are not just statistics; they represent lives disrupted, children traumatized and communities living in fear. The issue has escalated beyond a nuisance to a full-blown emergency that demands urgent and coordinated action.
Jammu district has emerged as the worst-hit, with over 54,000 cases, followed by Srinagar with more than 36,000. Even districts like Anantnag and Baramulla have reported high numbers, while Shopian, though lowest, still recorded over 1,300 cases. The crisis is not confined to one region rather it spans the entire union territory, affecting both urban and rural populations. The fear is palpable. In Srinagar city, early morning walks and late evening commutes have become risky. People carry sticks for protection, and parents are forced to escort their children to schools, fearing attacks. The psychological toll is immense, especially on children who have been victims of such attacks.
Hospitals are overwhelmed. At SMHS hospital in Srinagar, doctors report a doubling in demand for anti-rabies vaccines. Emergency rooms treat dozens of bite victims weekly, many of them children. The trauma is not just physical; it’s emotional and long-lasting. Victims often require not only medical treatment but also psychological support to overcome the fear and anxiety that follow such incidents. The healthcare system, already burdened, is struggling to keep up with the rising demand for vaccines and emergency care.
Meanwhile, data suggests, nearly 49,000 stray dogs have been sterilized and vaccinated since June 2023, but the pace of sterilization is slower than the rate of reproduction. Two Animal Birth Control centers are operational in Srinagar, with a third under construction. Land identification for new centers is underway in nine districts, with sites already earmarked in Baramulla, Kulgam, and Sumbal. However, these measures, while look appealing yet are not enough to stem the tide of the crisis.
Sterilization alone is not enough and the need is to have better waste management. Stray dogs thrive near garbage dumps and slaughterhouse waste. Without addressing these root causes, sterilization becomes a temporary fix rather than a sustainable solution. The problem is compounded by lack of public cooperation and coordination between municipal bodies and health departments. Residents have voiced their frustration, citing repeated complaints and awareness drives that have yielded little visible change.
Citizens are demanding more than just reactive measures. Need is for faster sterilization drives, stronger public awareness campaigns and a humane yet effective strategy to reclaim their streets. For many, the issue is no longer about stray animals alone; it’s about restoring confidence in civic governance, protecting children and ensuring that public spaces are safe once again.
This crisis calls for urgent, coordinated action. The government must accelerate sterilization efforts, improve sanitation, and engage communities in meaningful ways. Public cooperation is essential, but it must be matched by visible, sustained efforts from authorities. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve to walk their streets without fear. The time to act is now—not just to control the stray dog population, but to restore a sense of safety, dignity and normalcy to everyday life.