SRINAGAR: Panic has gripped several areas of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, including Beehama, Nagbal, and Rangil due to the rising threat posed by stray dogs, with residents reporting frequent attacks and growing fear, especially among children and the elderly.
The concern intensified recently when stray dogs attacked a school-going girl in Beehama village on Friday morning. She was rescued by locals, but residents said similar incidents involving dogs chasing pedestrians and barking at two-wheeler riders have become common, increasing the risk of accidents.
“The stray dog population in the area has grown rapidly. People are afraid to step out, especially during early mornings and late evenings,” said Suhail Mushtaq, a resident of Darend Village. “Authorities must act before someone gets seriously injured. Despite repeated complaints, no concrete action has been taken,” he added.
Locals alleged that the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) contributes to the issue by relocating dogs from Srinagar to Ganderbal. “SMC catches stray dogs from city areas and releases them here. This is no longer just a nuisance; it’s a serious threat,” said Mudasir pala, a resident of Beehama. “Our children and the elderly are scared even to leave home”, he further added.
Residents have appealed to the district administration and animal welfare authorities to take immediate steps to address the growing threat.
However, a senior official from SMC rejected the allegations. “If anyone has proof, they are free to upload it online. We will investigate any misconduct,” the official said.
He clarified that SMC only captures dogs for sterilisation under the Animal Birth Control programme and does not release them in other districts. “We do not transport stray dogs from Srinagar to Ganderbal,” he said.
Kashmir has witnessed a significant number of dog and cat bite cases in recent years. According to data from the Anti-Rabies Clinic (ARC) at SMHS Hospital, 12,833 cases were recorded between June 2024 and May 2025.
