Shoaib Mohammad Bhat
As we know, the universe is diverse, filled with countless living beings, and each one plays a role in maintaining balance. Among these, dogs hold a unique place. If dogs did not exist, the waste produced by humans and animals, leftover food, organic remains, and garbage would accumulate rapidly, leading to pollution, foul smells, and the spread of infections. In many ways, dogs quietly contribute to keeping the environment cleaner.
However, this balance cannot be maintained if their numbers exceed manageable levels. What begins as a natural benefit can gradually become an alarming issue, particularly in areas where garbage is easily accessible and urban systems are unable to cope with the growing population of stray animals. Peaceful coexistence can then give way to confrontation.
In Jammu and Kashmir, this shift is becoming increasingly visible. Stray dogs are now a common presence near garbage dumps, crowded markets, bus stops, and residential lanes. For many people, especially children, elderly individuals, and daily commuters, this is not merely a sight but a daily risk. Walking through certain areas now requires caution and, in some places, even evokes fear.
What makes the issue more concerning is not just what is visible on the streets but what the data reveals.
In just two years, more than 2.06 lakh dog bite cases have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2024, the figure stood at 93,765. By 2025, it had climbed to 1,12,695, marking an increase of nearly 20,000 cases within a year. These figures indicate that, on average, around 280 to 282 people are bitten by dogs every day.
A regional pattern is also evident. The Jammu division accounts for a larger share of these cases, contributing about 61 percent of the total, with more than 1.26 lakh incidents reported over two years. The number rose from 54,863 in 2024 to 71,981 in 2025. The Kashmir division, while reporting comparatively fewer cases, still recorded a significant total of 79,616 cases, increasing from 38,902 to 40,714 during the same period.
At the district level, the picture becomes even clearer. Jammu district reported the highest number of dog bite cases, exceeding 76,000 in two years. Srinagar followed with more than 35,000 cases. Other districts such as Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Anantnag also recorded substantial numbers. This demonstrates that the issue is not confined to a single area but is spread across both urban centres and smaller towns.
However, numbers alone do not fully capture the seriousness of the situation.
A recent heartbreaking incident in Sopore brought the urgency of the problem into sharp focus. A young girl lost her life after being mauled by a pack of stray dogs. This was not merely a tragic death. It was an incident that deeply affected the entire community. Her parents lost their beloved child forever, along with all the hopes and dreams they had cherished for her.
The difficult truth is that such incidents are not entirely rare. They may not always result in fatalities, but dog attacks and bite cases occur frequently enough to create a constant sense of fear and unease in many localities.
To understand how such incidents can be prevented, it is important to examine why dogs bite in the first place. Dogs generally do not behave aggressively without reason. Their actions are often responses to their environment, stress levels, or previous experiences.
One important reason is trigger stacking. A dog may already be under stress due to noise, crowds, hunger, lack of shelter, or competition from other dogs. When an additional stimulus, such as a speeding vehicle, bicycle, or a person approaching suddenly, is introduced, the accumulated stress may result in aggressive behaviour.
Another significant factor is the loss of warning signals. Dogs usually communicate discomfort through growling, barking, or body posture. These are natural warning signs intended to avoid conflict. However, if dogs are repeatedly punished or discouraged from displaying these signals, they may stop giving warnings altogether. When that happens, their reactions can become sudden and unpredictable, leading directly to biting.
Fear also plays a major role. This form of behaviour is known as defensive aggression. If a dog perceives itself as threatened, cornered, or endangered, it may bite in self-defence. Often, this occurs when humans unknowingly invade the animal’s personal space.
There is also a form known as offensive aggression, in which a dog actively approaches the target of its aggression. Although less common than defensive aggression, it can be more dangerous and is often linked to territorial instincts or previous conditioning.
Understanding these behavioural factors allows us to shift our perspective from seeing dogs solely as a threat to recognizing patterns that can be anticipated and avoided.
Nevertheless, several practical precautions should be adopted, particularly in areas where stray dogs are common.
Firstly, people should avoid walking alone in locations known for large stray dog populations, as being accompanied by others can reduce risk.
Secondly, children should not travel alone to schools, shopping centres, or isolated areas where stray dogs are frequently present. Adult supervision is essential.
Thirdly, it is advisable not to approach stray dogs, even if they appear harmless. Touching, feeding, or attempting to play with them can increase the risk of bites.
Fourthly, sufficient distance should be maintained from dogs that are eating or caring for their puppies, as they tend to become highly protective during such times.
Fifthly, children should be taught not to tease stray dogs, throw stones at them, or pull their tails, as such actions often provoke aggressive reactions.
Sixthly, if confronted by a stray dog, one should remain calm. Running away or screaming can further agitate the animal and trigger pursuit.
Lastly, objects such as school bags, jackets, or bicycles can be used as protective barriers during an attack to reduce the likelihood of serious injury.
While these precautions are important, they alone cannot solve the problem. Broader issues such as waste management and population control must also be addressed.
The presence of open garbage is one of the major reasons for the growing stray dog population. Easy access to food sources supports their survival and reproduction. Without an efficient waste management system, including proper garbage bins, collection mechanisms, and disposal facilities, meaningful change will remain difficult.
At the same time, public participation is equally important. Awareness, civic responsibility, and community cooperation can strengthen existing efforts. This includes avoiding indiscriminate feeding of street dogs in densely populated areas and promptly reporting aggressive animals to local authorities.
The issue of stray dogs and dog bites in Jammu and Kashmir is a complex one. It involves animals, public safety, environmental management, civic responsibility, and administrative action.
Dogs remain an important part of our environment, and their ecological role cannot be ignored. At the same time, human safety must remain a priority. The real challenge lies in maintaining a balance between compassion and public security.
With greater awareness, improved systems, and stronger coordination among authorities and citizens, the problem can be effectively managed. If adequate measures are not taken, there is every possibility that the trend will continue, leading to greater fear, more injuries, and further tragic incidents that could otherwise be prevented.
About the Author:
Shoaib Mohammad Bhat is a writer, social educator, and researcher from Baramulla. He holds a Master’s degree in Gender Studies and a B.Ed. He writes on social issues, education, and gender perspectives, promoting awareness and positive social change.
