Dog sterilization to be doubled in Srinagar

Srinagar, May 10: The dog sterilization efforts are likely to be doubled in Srinagar as newly established sterilization centers are set to commence operations in the city soon.

Of ficials said the current capacity to sterilize 70 – 100 dogs will soon be doubled.

Last year, about 5,000 dogs underwent sterilization.

The dog sterilization process was temporarily halted during winter but is slated to resume soon.

The issue of stray dogs has been a significant concern in Srinagar, with hundreds of dog bite cases reported every month.

District Srinagar reported the highest number of bite cases last year to the Anti- Rabies Clinic ( ARC) at SMHS Hospital.

According to data, the district recorded 6,519 cases of bites inflicted by stray dogs, rabid animals, and other wild creatures, with bites inflicted by the latter largely reported from other districts.

In March alone this year, Srinagar reported 912 such cases, the highest since April of the previous year. Additionally, 542 cases were reported in February, 493 in January, and 480 in December.

According to the Srinagar Municipal Corporation ( SMC), an estimated over 90,000 stray dogs roam the streets, posing a risk to residents of all ages.

There have been near daily cases of dog bites in Srinagar and the cases are being referred to SMHS hospital in Srinagar.

The groups of canines wander in every locality in uptown and downtown Srinagar and other parts of the Valley and attack people on their will.

Due to the canine threat, the elderly people, women and children have to be cautious while moving out in the early morning or in evening hours.