The escalating crisis of stray dog attacks in Kashmir, particularly in Srinagar, demands immediate and comprehensive action from authorities. The statistics paint a grim picture: a staggering 4695 reported cases of canine bites in the valley last year, with Srinagar alone accounting for 3448 cases, indicating an alarming surge in incidents.
According to data compiled by the Anti-Rabies Clinic at SMHS Hospital, the numbers are distressingly consistent month after month, underscoring the persistent threat faced by the residents. Civil society groups have emphasized the unrelenting nature of this menace, lamenting the toll it takes on innocent lives. The risk of fatal rabies looms large, with victims enduring excruciating pain and often succumbing to this deadly disease.
Over the past decade, Anti-Rabies Clinic SMHS has registered an overwhelming 60,000 dog bite cases, a staggering testament to the gravity of the issue. The proliferation of stray dogs, primarily attributed to open garbage dumping sites, compounds this crisis. Srinagar’s daily generation of 450 metric tons of garbage, lacking proper segregation and scientific disposal, significantly contributes to the burgeoning population of strays.
The failure of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to initiate a large-scale sterilization program has exacerbated the problem. Conservative estimates suggest an alarming count of over one lakh stray dogs within Srinagar alone, intensifying the frequency of dog bites and attacks.
Tragically, these incidents have not just caused injuries but claimed lives as well. In June, a case involved the tragic death of a 10-year-old boy mauled by stray dogs in Pattan, Baramulla district, sparking justified outrage among locals. The documented cases, include the fatal attack on a lawyer at Dewanbagh Baramulla, underlining the severity of these encounters, leading to multi-organ failure and, in some instances, coma and eventual demise.
The psychological trauma inflicted on victims cannot be overstated. The lived experiences of those bitten by dogs evoke feelings of psychological and emotional instability. The attacks not only pose physical threats but also lead to significant economic repercussions, including loss of wages and out-of-pocket expenses for medical care.
The urgency of addressing this issue cannot be overstressed. The directives from the High Court of J&K and Ladakh earlier this year to the Srinagar Municipality Corporation underline the pressing need for immediate action. SMC’s commitment to initiating a sterilization process on a larger scale, aiming to eradicate the stray dog population within six to seven years, is a step in the right direction. However, criticisms of the government’s tepid efforts and the decade-long struggle to implement effective sterilization programs demand immediate rectification.
It’s imperative for policymakers to prioritize the lived experiences of dog bite victims, providing comprehensive support through education, counseling, and the implementation of cost-effective mass dog vaccination programs. The onus is on the authorities to urgently address this escalating public health crisis and prevent further loss of life and wellbeing due to unchecked stray dog attacks.
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