Srinagar, Aug 9: Several areas of Srinagar city are witnessing growing complaints about stray dogs, with residents raising concerns over their increasing presence on roads, lanes and around residential neighbourhoods.

Residents from different parts of the city said packs of stray dogs are frequently seen roaming near houses, markets, schools and public spaces, creating inconvenience and anxiety, particularly among children, elderly people and pedestrians.
According to residents, the problem becomes more noticeable during the early morning and late evening hours when large groups of dogs gather in residential areas. Their movement around busy streets and lanes has also raised concerns among commuters and two-wheeler riders.
“Stray dogs have become a daily nuisance in our area. People, especially children and elderly residents, feel uncomfortable while walking on the roads,” residents said, urging the authorities to take effective measures to address the issue.
Residents have called for a sustained and scientific approach rather than temporary drives. They said measures such as proper sterilisation, vaccination, population management and responsible handling of stray animals should be undertaken in accordance with applicable animal welfare norms.
The availability of food waste in several localities has also been cited as one of the factors contributing to the concentration of stray dogs. Residents urged municipal authorities to improve waste collection and ensure that garbage is not left exposed in residential and commercial areas.
They also stressed the need for better coordination between civic authorities, animal welfare organisations and local communities to manage the stray-dog population while ensuring that animal welfare requirements are not compromised.
The issue has become particularly important in densely populated parts of Srinagar, where narrow roads, crowded neighbourhoods and open garbage points can increase interaction between people and stray animals.
Residents have appealed to the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and other concerned agencies to conduct a comprehensive assessment of affected areas and introduce a sustained mechanism for managing the problem.
They said immediate attention to the issue would help improve public safety, reduce fear among residents and contribute to a cleaner and more orderly urban environment.