SRINAGAR: Nearly three dozen people, including children, women and the elderly, have been injured in a spate of stray dog attacks across Central Kashmir’s Budgam district over the past two days, sparking fear among residents and renewed calls for immediate intervention by the authorities.
The attacks were reported from the Chadoora, Sanzipora and Chattergam areas, where stray dogs allegedly attacked people at multiple locations, residents said.
Several of the injured were shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Chadoora, while others were treated at Chattergam Hospital. All the victims were administered Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV), they said.
Block Medical Officer (BMO) Chadoora, Dr Riyaz, said the hospital alone had received more than 20 dog-bite cases in the last two days.
“We have received over 20 patients with dog bites. The matter has been taken up with the higher authorities, and we have written to them seeking immediate and appropriate action to prevent further attacks,” he said.
Residents said the recurring attacks have created panic, with many people reluctant to venture outdoors, particularly during the morning and evening hours.
“Children, women and elderly people are scared to step out of their homes. The administration must immediately launch a comprehensive stray dog control drive before more people become victims,” said local resident Ashraf Ahmad.
Describing the stray dog menace as a growing public safety concern, residents urged the district administration and the concerned departments to take urgent and long-term measures to curb the increasing number of attacks across the district. (KNO)
