Kashgil News Exclusive Report
The growing number of stray dogs in Pakistan-administered Kashmir is becoming a serious problem for citizens. These dogs roaming the streets, markets and residential areas are not only a cause of fear and panic but are also adversely affecting the routine of life.
The figures illustrate the seriousness of the situation. Last year, the highest number of dog bite cases were reported in Bagh district, where, according to the District Headquarters Hospital Bagh, about 800 people were bitten by dogs from January to December. This number is considered alarming for a district with a population of about half a million.
According to local citizens, most of the incidents occur in urban areas, especially in busy markets, where stray dogs are present in packs and attack passers-by. Parents are afraid to send children out alone, while the elderly are also suffering from severe insecurity.
On the other hand, animal rights activists see the issue from a different perspective. According to them, the increase in the number of stray dogs is a result of government negligence, and scientific and humanitarian measures are essential to control it.
Shahid Awan, chairman of the Consumer Rights Association, has expressed serious reservations about the practice of poisoning dogs. According to him, this method is inhumane as well as dangerous for the environment and human health.
Citizens also face difficulties in terms of treatment. Usually, only the initial dose of rabies vaccine is available in government hospitals, while the remaining doses have to be purchased by the affected people out of their own pockets, which is expensive and puts an additional burden on the poor.
Experts emphasize an integrated strategy to solve the problem, which includes vaccination of stray dogs, sterilization and public awareness campaigns. They say that adopting permanent and sustainable solutions instead of temporary measures is the only way to deal with this growing threat.
Unless effective and serious measures are taken, this problem of stray dogs will continue to pose a constant threat to citizens.
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