In Kashmir, the upsurge in dog bite incidents was previously regarded as an occasional nuisance; however, it has now escalated into a significant public health issue. Incidents of stray dog attacks have progressively taken centre stage in news reports, social media and emergency hospital admissions, revealing deficiencies in animal management policies, urban planning, and healthcare infrastructure. Incidents of stray dog attacks are not limited to Kashmir, as cases of dog bites are increasing and resulting in fatalities across various regions.

The magnitude of the issue is not only concerning but also intertwined with social, cultural, and administrative intricacies. Government data presents a concerning overview of the crisis. As reported by local newspapers (2025), Jammu and Kashmir has seen over 100,000 dog bite incidents in just the last three years. The statistics reveal a concerning pattern: reports of dog bite incidents reached 22,110 in 2022, 34,664 in 2023, and a startling 51,027 in 2024. From June 2024 to May 2025, hospitals recorded more than 6,200 new cases, with Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital being among the most severely affected facilities. The crisis presents a distinctly human aspect. Numerous instances involve children, who tend to be more susceptible because of their shorter stature and limited understanding of how to steer clear of aggressive stray animals. Injuries from dog bite can range from minor scratches to severe bites that necessitate immediate post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies.

Rabies: Beyond the immediate physical trauma, the persistent threat of rabies intensifies the issue. Rabies is a deadly zoonotic viral disease that affects an array of domestic and wild animals, and it is transmitted through close contact with the saliva of infected animals, which........

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