A growing menace of stray dogs in Gousia Colony of Bemina area in Srinagar has sparked fear and anxiety among locals, who say the situation has worsened over the past few weeks.

Inhabitants said packs of stray dogs have become a common sight, especially during evening and night hours, making it difficult for people to step out of their homes safely. Parents said children are no longer allowed to play outside, while elderly people have curtailed routine walks due to the fear of attacks.
Several locals claimed that aggressive behaviour by stray dogs has increased and vehicles stopping or slowing down in the locality often trigger barking and chasing, causing panic among commuters and pedestrians alike.
“Every night, we hear dogs howling and fighting in the streets. People are scared even to throw garbage outside after dark,” an inhabitant said.
Residents also alleged that despite repeated appeals to concerned authorities, no concrete action has been taken to address the problem. They said the absence of animal control measures has encouraged the unchecked breeding of stray dogs in the area.
Health experts warn that unchecked stray dog populations pose serious public health risks, including the threat of rabies and other infections, particularly in densely populated localities.
The locals urged the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and health authorities to launch an immediate sterilisation and relocation drive and ensure that street safety is restored in the neighbourhood.