By: Shoaib Mohmmad Bhat
As we know, the universe is diverse, filled with countless living beings, and each one plays a role in maintaining balance. Among these, dogs hold a unique place. If dogs did not exist, the waste produced by humans and animals, leftover food, organic remains, and garbage, would accumulate rapidly, leading to pollution, foul smell, and the spread of infections. In many ways, dogs quietly contribute to keeping the environment cleaner.
However, the balance cannot be maintained if their numbers exceed control. The natural benefit can gradually become an alarming issue, particularly in areas where garbage disposal is easy and the urban system cannot cope with it. The peaceful existence will now give way to confrontation.
In Jammu and Kashmir, this shift is becoming increasingly visible. Stray dogs are now a common presence near garbage dumps, crowded markets, bus stops, and residential lanes. For many people, especially children, elderly individuals, and daily commuters, this is not just a sight, it is a daily risk. Walking through certain areas has begun to require caution, and in some places, even fear. What makes the issue more concerning is not just what is visible on the streets, but what the data reveals behind it.
In just two years, there have been more than 2.06 lakh cases of dog bites in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. In 2024, the figure was 93,765. It then climbed to 1,12,695 by 2025, making an increase of around 20,000 in just one year’s time. Taking into consideration the figures carefully, it can be seen that on average, about 280 to 282 people are bitten each day.
A regional pattern can also be observed. The Jammu division accounts for a larger share of these cases, contributing about 61 per cent of the total, with more than 1.26 lakh incidents reported over two years. The number there rose from 54,863 in 2024 to 71,981 in 2025. The Kashmir division, while reporting comparatively fewer cases, still recorded a significant total of 79,616 cases, increasing from 38,902 to 40,714 over the same period.
At the district level, the picture becomes even clearer. Jammu district reported the highest number of dog bite cases, crossing 76,000 in two years. Srinagar followed with over 35,000 cases. Other districts such as Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Anantnag also recorded substantial numbers. This shows that the issue is not limited to one area, it is spread across both urban centres and smaller towns.
But numbers alone do not fully capture the seriousness of the situation.
It was a recent heartbreaking event at Sopore that made people realize the urgency of the problem. A little girl had met her death as she was mauled to death by some stray dogs. But this was not only a tragedy in which someone had died. It was an occurrence that deeply affected many members of the community. The parents had lost their dear one forever, and all their hopes and dreams with her.
The difficult truth is that such cases are not entirely rare. They may not always result in fatalities, but attacks and bites occur frequently enough to create a constant sense of unease in many areas.
To understand how such incidents can be prevented, it is important to look at why dogs bite in the first place. Dogs do not act aggressively without reason. Their behavior is often a response to their environment, stress, or past experiences.
Trigger stacking is one of the many possible reasons for this problem. The dog is usually under stress because of any number of factors including noise, crowds, lack of food, and the presence of other dogs. When an additional stimulus such as a car speeding past, a bicycle, or even a person approaches quickly, the overall stress leads to aggression.
Another important factor is the loss of warning signals. Dogs usually communicate discomfort through growling, barking, or body posture. These are natural warnings meant to avoid conflict. However, if dogs are repeatedly punished or discouraged from showing these signs, they may stop giving warnings altogether. When that happens, their reaction can become sudden and unpredictable, going directly to biting.
The fear factor is also highly influential. This form of aggression is termed defensive aggression. If the dog perceives itself to be threatened, cornered or in any way endangered, then it will respond by biting for self-protection. The problem arises in cases where this happens due to the invasion of their personal space, which humans do not realize.
There is another form called offensive aggression, whereby the dog actually approaches the target of its aggression. Less frequent than defensive aggression, it is nonetheless more dangerous and usually the result of training or territoriality. Recognizing these factors makes it possible to change the point of view – from that of danger, to one that allows patterns to be recognized and avoided.
However, some practical considerations should be taken into account, particularly in places where stray dogs are common. Firstly, one should try not to walk alone in places where stray dogs are often found since being accompanied by other people will reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Secondly, children should never go alone to shopping centers, schools, and remote areas where stray dogs abound because they will require adult supervision. Thirdly, it is essential not to get close to any stray dog that seems to be harmless because touching, feeding, or trying to play with them increases the risk of getting bitten.
Fourthly, it is crucial to give stray dogs sufficient space when they are either eating or looking after their puppies since they become defensive during such times.
Fifthly, children should be warned against teasing stray dogs and throwing stones at them or pulling their tails, which usually provokes them to attack.
Sixthly, one should remain calm whenever a stray dog attacks, as running away or screaming will only agitate them further.
Lastly, it will be wise to use objects like schoolbags, jackets, and bicycles as shields during an attack to keep stray dogs from biting one’s body parts.
Though all these precautions are important, they are not enough to solve the problem; there are some broader issues that need to be taken into account, including garbage management and population control.
The presence of open garbage is one of the major causes of the rising number of stray dogs in society. They find easy access to food sources which make their survival possible. Without any efficient system of garbage management such as garbage bins and dumps, no change can occur.
On the other hand, public involvement is equally necessary. Public awareness, civic responsibility, and cooperation will help enhance the above programs. This involves not feeding street dogs indiscriminately in densely populated neighborhoods and alerting local authorities of any aggressive actions on the part of these animals.
The problem of stray dogs and dog bites in Jammu and Kashmir is a complicated one. It involves animals as well as data, but it also involves a number of other factors. Dogs are an integral part of our environment, and their importance cannot be overlooked. On the other hand, human security needs to be taken into account. The challenge then lies in achieving a balance between the two. With greater awareness, better systems, and greater coordination, the problem can definitely be handled. If this does not happen, there is every possibility that the trend will persist, leading to more danger, more fear, and many unfortunate incidents that need not have occurred. About the Author: Shoiab Mohmmad Bhat is a writer, social educator and researcher from Baramulla, holds a masters in Gender Studies and a BED. He writes on social issues, education, and gender perspectives, promoting awareness and positive change.
The author can be reached at
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