By Ummar Jamal
Late one evening, Asif, a postgraduate student at Kashmir University, was returning to his hostel after a long day of classes and library research. As he walked through a dimly lit pathway in Naseem Bagh, he noticed a pack of stray dogs blocking his way. Before he could react, one of the dogs lunged at him, biting his leg. Panic-stricken and in pain, Asif managed to escape and seek help, but the incident left him traumatized. Unfortunately, Asif’s story is not an isolated incident. The increasing presence of stray dogs on campus has made such encounters alarmingly common, necessitating immediate action.
Students fear going alone to places like Naseem Bagh due to the aggressive stray dogs. To avoid attacks, they prefer walking in groups, seeking safety in numbers. The dogs have been known to chase after two-wheelers as well, creating a constant threat and further deterring individuals from venturing out alone.
The dog menace at Kashmir University is not a new phenomenon, but it has intensified in recent years. The increasing number of stray dogs on campus has led to numerous incidents of dog bites and attacks, causing physical harm and psychological distress to victims. The presence of aggressive dogs has created an atmosphere of fear, limiting the freedom of movement for students and staff, particularly during early morning and late evening hours. Students who study in the 24×7 library live in constant fear due to the stray dogs that roam the campus late at night. Leaving the library after hours exposes them to the risk of dog attacks, as aggressive strays are more active during these times. This fear of encountering hostile dogs not only causes anxiety but also disrupts their study routines. The threat makes students reluctant to stay late, hindering their academic efforts and overall sense of security.
The stray dogs also contribute to environmental and hygiene problems on campus. Garbage bins are often rummaged through by these animals, leading to litter spread across the campus. This not only degrades the aesthetic appeal of the university but also poses serious health risks due to the potential spread of diseases. Furthermore, the frequent barking and howling disrupts the tranquil environment necessary for academic activities, affecting the concentration and productivity of students and staff.
Previous efforts to address the dog menace, such as periodic drives to relocate the strays or temporary shelters, have proven ineffective in the long term. The transient nature of these measures, coupled with a lack of sustained follow-up, has allowed the problem to persist and even worsen. Relocating dogs is not enough; concrete measures should be taken to ensure that outside dogs do not enter the campus.
Concrete measures should be implemented to prevent dogs from entering the campus through the main gates: Sir Syed Gate, Badshah Gate, and Rumi Gate. These are the primary entry points where outside dogs enter the campus. Security personnel at these gates should be vigilant and equipped with the necessary tools to prevent stray dogs from accessing the campus.
Moreover, a scientifically backed method to control the stray dog population is through an Animal Birth Control program can be put to use. This involves the sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs, which not only helps in controlling their population but also reduces the risk of rabies.
Enhancing waste management practices on campus is crucial. Ensuring that garbage is disposed of in secure, dog-proof bins can reduce the food sources that attract stray dogs.
The waste from the university canteen is poorly managed, leading directly to a dog menace on campus. Overflowing and unsecured garbage bins attract stray dogs, which rummage through the food waste, encouraging their presence and aggressive behaviour. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the campus environment will also help in mitigating the problem. The university administration should implement a strict waste disposal policy and ensure its enforcement. Additionally, educating the campus community about the humane treatment of stray dogs and the importance of not feeding them irresponsibly can play a significant role.
The dog menace on the Kashmir University’ campus is a complex issue that requires a coordinated and sustained effort to address. It is essential for the administration, students, faculty, and animal welfare organizations to work together in tackling this menace.
Despite numerous appeals to the authorities, little has been done to address this pressing issue. It is high time for concrete steps to be taken, as continued neglect may lead to severe consequences. We must act proactively to prevent any tragic incidents on campus. Waiting for a student’s death to spur action is not an option. The safety and well-being of the university community should be a top priority, and immediate measures must be implemented to address the stray dog menace once and for all.
Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer
- The author is a Kashmir based columnist. He tweets at ummar_jamal and can be reached at [email protected]
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