Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 20: J&K Government today said that 15,266 stray dogs have been sterilised and 15,725 vaccinated against rabies in Srinagar between 2023 and September 2025 as part of efforts to control the stray dog population and reduce dog bite incidents.
Replying to an unstarred question by MLA Salman Sagar, the Housing and Urban Development Department said stray dogs remain an urban management concern across Srinagar, including Hazratbal constituency, and are not confined to any particular locality.
The Government said comprehensive strategies, including sterilisation, vaccination, creation of shelters and public awareness campaigns, are being implemented to manage the stray dog population and mitigate associated risks.
It informed the House that the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has established three Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres at Tengpora, Shuhama (SKUAST) and Ahal Chatterhama.
These centres have enhanced sterilisation and vaccination capacity, with additional infrastructure including kennels, post-operative care units, community dog facilities and isolation kennels.
According to the year-wise data placed before the House, 6,964 dogs were sterilised and 7,160 vaccinated between June and November 2023.
In 2024, 7,367 dogs were sterilised and 7,546 vaccinated between April and October, while 935 sterilizations and 1,019 vaccinations were carried out between August and September 2025.
On dog bite incidents, the Government said 5,135 cases were reported in 2024-25 and 4,890 in 2025-26 so far in Srinagar district.
It clarified that the data is based on the number of post-exposure anti-rabies vaccine shots administered by the Health Department and does not distinguish between bites by stray dogs, pet dogs or other animals.
The department said adequate stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin are being maintained to ensure prompt response to emergencies and safeguard public health.
It added that sustained IEC activities, including media campaigns, public advisories, posters, hoardings and engagement with community and religious leaders, are being carried out to spread awareness and prevent dog bite incidents.
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