Jammu and Kashmir is staring at a growing public health crisis, as stray dog attacks surge across both urban and rural areas of the Union Territory. The situation is particularly grave in the Kashmir Valley, where over 6,258 dog bite cases were reported at Srinagar’s Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital’s Anti-Rabies Clinic (ARC) between June 2024 and May 2025—an average of 17 victims every single day. These figures, the highest recorded in a single year, reflect not just a spike in stray dog attacks but a systemic failure in animal control and urban health management.
Across J&K, the danger from animal bites is escalating. The same SMHS clinic recorded a staggering 12,833 cases of animal bites—including dogs, cats, and other animals—during the same 12-month period. Experts warn that these growing numbers point to the increasing threat of rabies, a deadly viral disease that claims approximately 59,000 lives globally each year, with most fatalities reported from Africa and Asia.
Stray dog attacks are no longer confined to the Valley. Several towns and outskirts of Jammu region are now witnessing similar threats, particularly in areas where poor garbage disposal, expanding urbanization, and neglected sterilization programs have allowed the stray dog population to flourish. Public parks, marketplaces, and school zones are increasingly becoming hotspots for such incidents.
The crisis is compounded by the sharp rise in cat bite cases as well—6,095 reported in the past year alone—largely attributed to the post-COVID trend of keeping cats as pets. However, many pet owners remain unaware of the need for regular vaccination and hygiene practices, creating yet another layer of risk.
Health experts emphasize that rabies is universally fatal once symptoms appear, but entirely preventable through timely vaccination. The public should not ignore even minor bites or scratches and to seek immediate medical attention.
The way forward must include urgent animal birth control measures, mass awareness campaigns, and enhanced post-exposure vaccination availability across all districts. Municipal bodies must improve waste management systems to cut off food sources for stray animals, and pet owners must be held accountable for proper vaccination and care.
The figures coming out of J&K are more than just data—they are a wake-up call. A robust, coordinated response is essential to protect lives, particularly the most vulnerable, from what is now a daily threat. J&K cannot afford to let this silent epidemic grow unchecked any longer.
