Stray dog menace grips Awantipora villages, residents demand urgent action
Pulwama: The stray dog menace has sparked widespread fear and distress in several villages of Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, locals alleged Wednesday.
The residents of Baighpora and its adjacent areas are issuing desperate pleas to the authorities for immediate intervention.
In Baighpora and nearby villages, locals have expressed grave concern over the unchecked increase in stray dogs, which has resulted in tragic consequences.
“In the past two years, one child has lost their life, and several others have been injured due to stray dog attacks,” residents said.
The situation has reached a point where children are no longer able to walk to school safely, and villagers avoid visiting farmlands out of fear, they said.
“We, the people of Baighpora and surrounding areas, urge urgent action against the rising stray dog menace. Please, authorities, help us before more lives are harmed,” they said.
Residents allege that stray dogs are being transported from urban areas during night hours leading to a steep and mysterious increase in the dog population.
Nadeem Ahmad, a local resident, stated, “Every day, packs of dogs are seen roaming on roads, creating an atmosphere of fear, especially for school-going children. Movement in the early morning and late evening has become hazardous,” he said.
Nelofar Akhter, another local, added, “Children can’t move freely due to fear. Elders now have to accompany them to school. Even elderly residents are scared to go to their farmlands, as there have been multiple dog attacks in recent weeks,” she said.
Residents emphasized that despite repeatedly informing authorities, no concrete steps have been taken.
“We have approached officials multiple times, including the MLA and Deputy Commissioner, but no serious action has followed,” they said.
Locals are demanding a thorough investigation into the source of the stray dog surge and immediate measures to control the population to ensure public safety.
“The administration must act swiftly to prevent further tragedies,” the villagers urged.
