Kupwara, Mar 9: The increasing number of stray dogs in Kupwara has become a cause of grave concern for the inhabitants of the district.
 According to the locals, herds of dogs are seen on the prowl at various areas of the district including the busy bus stand and its adjoining areas.
 “At least 15 persons including some children were bitten by the canines few months back in the district sending shivers among the parents,” the inhabitants of the area told Greater Kashmir. 
 According to the locals, there has been exponential increase in the number of dogs in the district, which has become a matter of huge concern for the people, especially the parents of children. “The cases of dog bites and attacks on humans have also seen an increase here,” the residents said adding that with the educational institutions opening next week, the parents are apprehensive about the safety of their children, as they are more prone to the dog attacks.
 “Keeping in view the dog menace, I will have to accompany my child to the educational institution everyday,” a mother of a student told Greater Kashmir adding the problem has assumed a serious dimensions with concerned authorities failing to tackle the menace. 
 Enter Rigipora, Malik Mohalla, Ganai Mohalla, Sulkoot or any other locality of the town, stray dogs are everywhere, the locals said adding that these animals are posing a grave threat to the life of humans particularly during the morning and evening hours. 
 The locals said the movement of people especially elders and women have become difficult during the evening hours due to the presence of large number of dogs.
 “At night also, the continuous barking of dogs disturb the sleep,” the residents of the town added.

GOVERNMENT SILENT
 While the government has been silent over the issue, the agitated residents have threatened to kill the stray dogs.
 “If the authorities failed to take measures in this regard, we will be forced to poison the dogs,” the residents said.
 Kupwara Municipality, Executive Officer, Wali Muhammad said, “We can’t kill the dogs because of the Supreme Court ban and at this time there isn’t any concrete method to control the growing population of the canines.”
Compiled by Shahid Rafiq

Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Mar 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Mar 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:00:00 IST