Jammu and Kashmir is at a crossroads as the stray dog population spirals out of control, threatening public health and safety. Srinagar alone is estimated to have between 22,000 and 150,000 stray dogs, creating daily hazards, especially for children. In 2019, an alarming 98% of animal bite cases at Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital were caused by dogs, with over half being severe, potentially life-threatening Category III bites. Children under 15 are particularly exposed, often suffering serious head and neck injuries.
National statistics are equally alarming: the National Centre for Disease Control documented more than 3.7 million dog bite cases and 54 suspected human rabies deaths in 2024, with Jammu and Kashmir likely contributing significantly. The persistent threat of rabies—a disease that is nearly always fatal without immediate treatment—casts a shadow over the region’s communities.
India’s policy response—anchored in the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules 2023 and the National Rabies Control Programme—advocates humane strategies through sterilization, mass vaccination, and educational outreach. The central government’s allocation of ₹1,423 lakh for over 80 million vaccine doses should signal positive change. But in Jammu and Kashmir, the impact is blunted by inadequate infrastructure, weak inter-agency coordination, and a lack of public awareness. Unlike states such as Sikkim and Goa, where model ABC programs have eliminated dog-mediated rabies through consistent efforts, Jammu and Kashmir’s approach remains fragmented and insufficient.
Immediate measures are urgently needed. Municipalities must enforce effective ABC programs to reach at least 70% vaccination coverage—essential for breaking the rabies transmission cycle. Sustained community campaigns should raise awareness about bite prevention and timely vaccination, especially since knowledge of rabies vaccines remains low. Improved waste management is vital to reduce stray populations’ food sources, while model anti-rabies clinics and robust surveillance must ensure quick response to incidents.
Jammu and Kashmir’s streets must become safe for everyone—human and animal alike. Coordinated, compassionate, and community-driven efforts are the only path to curbing the stray dog menace and eliminating rabies, in line with the global “Zero by 30” vision. The region’s health, safety, and future reputation depend on decisive action now.
