Budgam, October 29: The increasing presence of stray dogs in Beerwah and its adjoining villages has triggered concern among local residents after an 80-year-old man, Ghulam Rasool Banday, a resident of Beerwah, was reportedly injured in a dog bite incident on Thursday.
According to reports, the injured elderly man was initially shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Beerwah for medical treatment. He was subsequently referred to JVC Hospital for further treatment.
Following the incident, local residents urged the concerned authorities to take immediate and effective measures to address the growing stray dog problem and ensure the safety of children, elderly people, students and pedestrians.
Residents also referred to a recent incident in Kandora, where a person reportedly died following an incident involving a stray dog. However, the exact circumstances and cause of death in that case need to be verified by the concerned authorities.
Locals said such incidents have increased fear and anxiety among residents, particularly among parents of school-going children and elderly people. They expressed concern that people could face difficulties while moving through areas where stray dogs frequently roam streets and residential neighbourhoods.
Local resident Tariq Ahmad Bhat appealed to the concerned departments to launch a special vaccination drive for stray dogs and ensure the availability of dog-catching vehicles in Beerwah. He stressed the need for serious and coordinated efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Tariq Ahmad Bhat urged the concerned departments to assess the situation in Beerwah and its adjoining villages and take appropriate measures for the safe and humane management of stray dogs. He said adequate facilities, timely intervention and better coordination among the departments were essential to protect public safety.
He also appealed to shopkeepers and members of the public not to throw leftover food on roads or in open public spaces, stating that such practices could attract stray dogs to markets, residential areas and other public places.
He urged shopkeepers to dispose of waste properly and cooperate in maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.
Meanwhile, local residents appealed to parents to take special precautions to protect their children. They advised that young children should not be allowed to walk alone on roads, particularly in areas where stray dogs are frequently seen. Wherever possible, children should be accompanied by a responsible adult while travelling to and from school.
Residents also stressed the importance of public awareness, adopting precautionary measures around stray dogs and seeking immediate medical attention in the event of a dog bite.
They called upon municipal authorities and other concerned departments to identify vulnerable locations in consultation with local representatives and residents and implement appropriate safety measures.
The residents urged the administration to take concrete steps without delay to address the issue and ensure the safety of children, elderly people and other residents in Beerwah and its adjoining villages, enabling people to move around without fear.