Kulgam: In Kulgam district, the growing population of stray dogs has become a pressing concern, posing a significant threat to the well-being of residents as the district hospital has witnessed a surge in cases, with a startling 525 incidents of dog bites in the last 10 months.
Data accessed by the news agency Kashmir News Observer reveals a total of 556 bite cases have been registered at the district hospital Kulgam in the past 10 months, with 525 classified as dog bites and the remaining 31 falling under other categories.
A health official at district hospital Kulgam said that regular complaints of dog bites, especially targeting children and the elderly during early morning or late evening hours, have been received.
While the hospital provides necessary health facilities and vaccines, the official urged people to take precautions to avoid being bitten by stray dogs for their own safety.
Ghulam Rasool, a local resident said that stray dogs are pervasive, and the administration has not taken effective measures to control the dog menace.
He said the garbage dumps have transformed into breeding grounds for stray dogs in Kulgam district, adversely impacting the lives of people, especially children and the elderly, with their safety at stake.
Meanwhile, an official said that there is no program in place to address the dog menace in Kulgam district.
“Thriving dog population is a result of waste mismanagement,” the official said, adding that efforts have been made, including deploying vehicles for doorstep waste collection.
Stressing for collective responsibility, he urged people to contribute to maintaining a clean atmosphere to curb the issue. (KNO)
