For the people of Kashmir, the beauty of a quiet morning or the stillness of a late night has been replaced by a growing sense of dread. What used to be a peaceful commute or a spiritual walk to the Masjid has turned into a gauntlet of fear.
The stray dog population in our valley is no longer just a civic issue, it has become a public health emergency that is claiming lives and shattering families.
The Invisible danger for commuters, while most of the city sleeps, our workforce is on the move. Employees leaving for early shifts and those returning home late at night on two-wheelers are the most vulnerable.
On a bike or scooter, you are exposed. There is no metal shell to protect you when a pack of dogs decides to give chase.
I personally know the weight of this tragedy. A colleague of mine, a dedicated professional simply heading to work in the early morning, was swarmed by a pack of stray dogs.
The resulting accident was catastrophic. He spent six agonizing months in a coma before passing away. It is a haunting thought, a man leaves for his livelihood and never truly comes back (MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE), all because our streets are no longer safer due to these stray dogs.
A personal encounter with terror
This isn’t just “someone else’s story.” I have felt the teeth of this crisis myself. While returning from Fajr prayers—a time that should be defined by peace—I was attacked by a group of dogs. The physical injuries left me bedridden for over a month, not to mention the gruelling course of Anti-Rabies Vaccinations (ARV). The psychological toll of such an attack stays with you much longer than the physical scars.
The polarization of a tragedy
Recently, a video has gone viral that perfectly encapsulates the desperation on our streets. It shows a man carrying groceries being relentlessly attacked by a dog that refused to let go of his arm.
The screams of the man and the eventual intervention by a crowd using sticks and stones have sparked a heated debate online. Some argue for the rights of animals, while others argue for the right to human safety.
These contradictions often cloud the real issue: the system is failing both humans and animals. When a man has to defend his life with a stone because a dog won’t release its grip, it is a sign that the situation has spiralled out of control.
It’s time to reclaim our safety
We cannot afford to be silent or indifferent until the next tragedy strikes our own doorstep. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) is the designated body to handle these grievances. If your locality is becoming a hotspot for aggressive packs:
Report it immediately: Do not wait for an attack to happen.
Use the Helplines: The SMC has provided contact numbers for dog catching and sterilization units. A quick Google search for “SMC Kashmir helpline numbers” will provide you with the most current contact details.
- Direct Calling List (Call between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
These are the most relevant numbers for a dog menace complaint in your specific area:
SMC Veterinary Office: 0194-2450620 or 0194-2470465
This is the direct office that dispatches the vans. Ask to speak with the Municipal Veterinary Officer (MVO).
SMC Central Control Room: 0194-2474499. This is a 24/7 line. Tell them you are reporting an “Aggressive Dog Pack” who are attacking people in your area.
Toll-Free Helpline: 14420
This is the official municipal grievance number. They will provide you with a “Complaint Number.” Keep this number to follow up.
SMS/Text Grievance
If you cannot get through via call, you can send a standard text message (SMS) to the JK-IGRAMS system, which is monitored by the government:
How: Send your complaint via SMS to the government’s grievance portal (if you have the local short-code service active) or better yet, call the Lieutenant Governor’s Help Line at 0194-2483236. They take dog menace complaints very seriously as it falls under public safety.
We deserve to walk to our prayers without fear. We deserve to send our colleagues and family members to work without wondering if they will encounter a predatory pack. It is time for a permanent, humane, and effective solution to the stray dog menace in Kashmir.
Stay safe, stay vigilant, and let your voice be heard.
