Srinagar, Oct 14: In response to the growing concern of rising dog bite cases, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has embarked on a mission to control the canine population in the summer capital city.
According to officials SMC has introduced an Animal Birth Control (ABC) program aimed at sterilizing dogs to curb their numbers and has already sterilized 3000 canines across different wards in Srinagar.
Health, Veterinary Officer at SMC, highlighted the challenges of dog catching, noting that their teams make multiple field visits to capture dogs, often facing difficulties in the process.
The ABC program, initially launched in 2011 with limited success, has now crossed the 3000 mark. The government has also undertaken the responsibility of providing anti-rabies shots to dogs to further safeguard public health.
One of the key aspects of this initiative is the due process and community involvement. The officer explained that SMC collaborates with ward officers, locals, and informs local police stations before commencing the drive to catch dogs. This community-oriented approach is important in addressing the issue effectively.
Data from the Anti-rabies Clinic at SMHS Hospital paints a concerning picture, with 4400 animal bite cases reported from April to September 2023. Of these cases, 30 percent involve cat bites, revealing a broader animal bite issue in the city.
Conservative estimates suggest that the dog population in Srinagar city ranges from 60,000 to 70,000.
SMC has enlisted an agency for dog sterilization and plans to continue inoculating dogs as part of its comprehensive ABC program.
The anti-rabies clinic statistics show that since 2013, over 55,000 individuals have fallen victim to dog bites. The numbers have seen fluctuations over the years, with 6041 cases in 2013-14, peaking at 7324 in 2015-16 and continuing to remain a significant concern in subsequent years.
The officer stated that the multifaceted nature of the ABC program, where factors like weather and seasonal variations play a critical role. Rainy days and harsh winters can affect the sterilization process, underscoring the need for adaptability in the efforts to control the dog population.
