Over 10,000 dog bite cases annually ring alarm bells in Kashmir
Doctors warn of rising stray dog attacks; stress urgent vaccination, pet hygiene and public awareness
Children among worst affected as hospitals continue to report mounting anti-rabies cases
Srinagar: With more than 10,000 dog bite cases being reported annually in Kashmir, health experts have sounded alarm over what they describe as a growing public health crisis driven by rising stray dog populations, poor waste management and lack of awareness regarding rabies prevention.
Doctors and veterinary experts said hospitals across the Valley continue to witness a steady stream of patients seeking anti-rabies vaccination after attacks by stray and domestic dogs, with children emerging among the worst affected victims.
Officials in the health sector said hundreds of dog bite cases are reported every month from Srinagar and other districts, particularly from densely populated urban and semi-urban areas where stray dog populations have expanded rapidly over the years.
Medical experts warned that even seemingly minor scratches and bites should never be ignored as rabies remains one of the deadliest viral infections in the world.
“Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is entirely preventable through timely vaccination and immediate medical care after exposure,” doctors said.
They advised people to immediately wash bite wounds thoroughly with soap and running water for several minutes before seeking urgent medical attention for anti-rabies treatment.
Doctors said children are especially vulnerable because they often fail to report bites or scratches immediately, increasing the risk of delayed treatment.
“Many bite injuries in children occur near the face, neck and upper body, making them medically more dangerous. Awareness among parents is extremely important,” a senior doctor said.
Veterinary experts blamed the worsening situation partly on poor pet care practices and lack of responsible ownership.
“Routine vaccination, grooming and regular health check-ups of pets are essential not only for animal welfare but also for preventing disease transmission to humans,” experts said.
They said many pet owners either skip vaccination schedules or allow pets to move freely outdoors, increasing chances of exposure and aggression.
The growing stray dog menace has meanwhile become a major civic concern in many areas of Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag and other towns, with residents frequently complaining about aggressive dog packs roaming markets, school routes and residential localities.
Experts said open garbage dumping and inadequate waste disposal systems continue to fuel the stray dog population by providing easy access to food.
Independent observers and animal welfare workers said sterilisation programmes have remained inconsistent over the years, allowing stray dog numbers to rise unchecked in several localities.
According to global health estimates, rabies causes around 59,000 human deaths annually worldwide, with nearly 95 percent of fatalities occurring in Asia and Africa.
Health experts said Kashmir has so far largely managed to prevent widespread rabies fatalities because of increasing awareness and availability of anti-rabies vaccines in hospitals. However, they warned that the region remains vulnerable if preventive measures are not strengthened.
Doctors and veterinary professionals have now called for a coordinated strategy involving municipal authorities, health departments and animal welfare organisations to tackle the crisis.
They stressed the need for mass sterilisation drives, scientific waste management, vaccination campaigns for stray and domestic dogs, and large-scale public awareness programmes in schools and communities.
“Dog bites are no longer an isolated issue. It is becoming a serious urban health challenge that requires sustained policy intervention and coordinated action,” experts said.
