Over 2.12 lakh dog bite cases reported in JK since 2022; Jammu, Srinagar top the list

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-10-28 11:22:52 |

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KS News Desk 

Srinagar, Oct 28: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a staggering 2,12,968 cases of dog bites between 2022 and 2025, with the Jammu and Srinagar districts accounting for the highest number of cases, according to official figures presented in the Legislative Assembly.

As per data furnished by the Housing and Urban Development Department in response to a question raised by MLA Mubarak Gul, the Jammu division reported 98,470 dog bite cases, while the Kashmir division recorded 1,14,498 cases during the three-year period.

In the Jammu division, the district of Jammu alone reported 54,889 cases, followed by Kathua with 8,913 and Udhampur with 8,549. Other districts with significant numbers include Rajouri (5,342), Doda (4,390), Reasi (4,210), Kishtwar (3,662), Samba (3,335), Poonch (2,923) and Ramban (2,257).

In the Kashmir division, Srinagar topped the list with 36,406 cases, followed by Anantnag with 26,453 and Baramulla with 18,563. Budgam reported 9,382 cases, Kulgam 6,612, Bandipora 5,367, Ganderbal 3,338, Kupwara 3,594, Pulwama 3,426, and Shopian the lowest at 1,357.

The government informed that a total of 48,998 stray dogs have been sterilized and vaccinated between June 2023 and September 2025. The sterilization drives were carried out by Jammu Municipal Corporation (13,730 dogs), Srinagar Municipal Corporation (27,237), Urban Local Bodies Kashmir (161), and Urban Local Bodies Jammu (7,870).

To control the growing population of stray dogs, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has launched a comprehensive sterilization and immunization drive under the Animal Birth Control and Anti-Rabies Vaccination Programme, in line with the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. The initiative is being implemented with the guidance of the Animal Welfare Board of India.

Under the first phase of the programme, 14,331 street dogs were sterilized and 14,706 immunized against rabies at Animal Birth Control Centres in Tengpora and Shuhama. For the ongoing phase of 2025–2026, SMC has engaged an Animal Welfare Board of India-recognized organization to continue the drive under a ward-wise calendar.

SMC is also establishing a third sterilization and vaccination centre at Ahal Chatterhama, which is under development. Once completed, the capacity to sterilize and immunize street dogs within Srinagar city is expected to increase tenfold.

In addition to field operations, the Corporation has intensified public awareness campaigns to prevent dog bites and promote responsible handling of street dogs. Around 25,000 posters have been distributed across Srinagar, and awareness messages are being broadcast through local media and waste collection vehicles. Advisory notices listing “Dos and Don’ts” to avoid dog bites have also been issued for the public.

Authorities reiterated that the Srinagar Municipal Corporation remains committed to enforcing the Animal Birth Control and Anti-Rabies Vaccination Programme within the guidelines set by the Animal Welfare Board of India to ensure the effective implementation of the rules across the city.