The escalating population of stray dogs in many regions of Kashmir has been a primary source of concern to residents regarding health and safety in general. Reports of dog bites, scavenging garbage and aggressive behaviours have recently made the news and modelled fearful attitudes in people, especially in children and older adults.
The problem is complicated, yet SMC has nonetheless become active in their efforts to address the problem, we believe they deserve the acquirement of respect and support of the community.
Within the streets and lanes of cities in Kashmir stray dogs have also rapidly increased with urban life, or so it seems – the largely uncontrolled breeding and improper waste management likely remain the principal causes.
While garbage is also the primary attraction for stray dogs, attacks have occurred causing injury and deaths; therefore, we are creating an urgent case for discussion.
SMC is implementing sterilization and vaccination campaigns in alignment with Supreme Court directives to manage stray dog populations humanely.
Garbage attracts stray dogs. SMC has been improving waste collection and disposal activities in order to minimize food sources for stray dogs.
The SMC has been working with a variety of communities to inform them about the principles of responsible pet ownership, and the significance of not permanently feeding strays.
What they want is to be able to isolate aggressive dogs to shelters wherever appropriate; this is clearly beneficial, as it diminishes the possibility of human-dog encounters, and it results in humane treatment of the animals.
As good as the intentions of the SMC are, they require public support – individuals must also re-evaluate their livelihoods and stop littering, stop supporting sterilization clinics, and stop supporting the increasingly barbaric culling methods that are basically ineffective.
The government also has to commit more funds to expand the ABC program all over the regions of Kashmir.
There is no immediate solution to the stray dog problem; nonetheless, with collaborative communities and responsible authorities, we can strike a compromise between human safety and humane treatment of animals. The SMC has set a good example; now it’s everyone’s turn to help make Kashmir a place of safety, cleanliness, and compassion!
