Srinagar, Nov 8: Stray dogs have become a growing public-safety concern across Srinagar, with their increasing presence in residential neighbourhoods, busy marketplaces, hospital surroundings, school areas and public spaces raising serious questions about the effectiveness of population-control measures undertaken by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC).

From residential lanes to commercial centres, residents frequently encounter groups of stray dogs, often creating difficulties for pedestrians, commuters, children and elderly people. Reports of dog attacks and bite incidents have added to public anxiety, with many residents questioning how long they will have to live with the problem.
The scale of the challenge is reflected in official figures. A scientific survey conducted by the SMC in 2023 estimated Srinagar's stray dog population at 64,416. The Housing and Urban Development Department informed the Legislative Assembly in September 2026 that 15,266 dogs had been sterilised and 15,725 vaccinated against rabies between June 2023 and September 2025.
Although these interventions represent efforts to address the problem, the scale of the estimated population highlights the need for sustained and considerably stronger measures.
The public-health dimension of the issue is equally concerning. Government figures cited in the Assembly show that Srinagar recorded 12,557 dog-bite cases in 2024 and 12,592 in 2025, taking the two-year total beyond 25,000.
At the Union Territory level, Jammu and Kashmir reported 2,06,460 dog-bite cases during 2024 and 2025
Children, elderly residents, morning walkers, school-going students and people travelling on foot are particularly concerned about their safety. Several localities have reported residents facing difficulties while stepping out during early morning and late evening hours.
The presence of dogs around schools, playgrounds, hospitals and residential colonies has also increased demands for effective preventive measures and better management of the problem.
The SMC has been implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme to control the stray dog population through sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination. However, residents have questioned whether the pace and coverage of the programme are sufficient to produce visible results.
Government disclosures have acknowledged that existing infrastructure and operational capacity require further strengthening. The two existing ABC centres at Tengpora and Shuhama have a combined kennel capacity of 121, while another centre at Ahal Chatterhama, with a proposed capacity of 60, has been under development.
The programme has also faced operational challenges, including disruptions in sterilisation activities, manpower shortages and difficulties in maintaining consistent coverage.
Residents argue that occasional drives and official reviews cannot resolve a problem of this magnitude. What is needed is a continuous, scientifically planned programme with clear targets, adequate veterinary staff, trained dog-catching teams and regular monitoring.
Poor waste management is another factor contributing to the concentration of stray dogs in different parts of the city.
Open garbage dumps, unattended food waste and overflowing roadside bins provide easy access to food, attracting dogs and allowing them to remain concentrated around residential and commercial areas.
The disposal of waste, therefore, needs to become an integral part of the city's stray animal management strategy. Regular garbage collection, improved sanitation and strict monitoring of vulnerable locations can help reduce conditions that sustain large concentrations of dogs.
Addressing the stray dog problem also requires a balanced and humane approach. The Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 provide for sterilisation and immunisation as the principal means of managing street dog populations, rather than indiscriminate killing or relocation.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had also called for a coordinated and humane response to the issue in August 2026, directing the concerned departments and SMC to strengthen sterilisation operations, increase trained dog-catching teams, improve veterinary facilities and ensure timely disposal of garbage.
The administration must now ensure that these directions translate into measurable improvements on the ground.
There is a need for ward-wise assessment of the dog population, transparent reporting of sterilisation and vaccination figures, adequate anti-rabies facilities and a dedicated mechanism for responding to public complaints.
The health authorities must also ensure sufficient availability of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin at hospitals and healthcare centres so that victims receive immediate medical attention.
For a growing city like Srinagar, public safety and animal welfare must go hand in hand. The issue cannot be addressed through temporary interventions or isolated drives. It requires sustained coordination between the SMC, Animal Husbandry Department, Health Department and other concerned agencies.
The people of Srinagar deserve safe streets, accessible public spaces and a clean urban environment. The authorities must recognise the seriousness of the situation and move beyond assurances to deliver tangible results.
Srinagar cannot afford to let its stray dog crisis become a permanent feature of urban life.