Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Advocates Humane Solutions for Stray Dog Issue in Srinagar

New Delhi, India Aug 25, 2026 ALN: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday called for a focused, coordinated and humane response to the growing stray dog menace in Srinagar, directing the concerned departments and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to accord the issue top priority and work towards tangible results.

The issue of stray dogs is not merely a local concern; it has implications for public health, safety, and urban management, impacting the quality of life of residents in Srinagar. The presence of stray dogs has been a persistent problem in urban areas across India, but it has gained particular attention in Srinagar, where the rising population of these animals has led to increased incidents of dog bites and public anxiety. The Chief Minister's remarks highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address this growing challenge.

Chairing a review meeting on the issue, the Chief Minister observed that the stray dog menace has emerged as one of the foremost practical concerns for residents of Srinagar, with the issue affecting the daily lives and sense of security of citizens across the city and beyond. Stray dogs often roam in packs, and their aggressive behavior can pose risks to pedestrians, especially children and the elderly. This situation is exacerbated by inadequate waste management practices that provide food sources for these animals, thus attracting them to urban areas.

Abdullah noted that the progress in addressing the issue in Jammu through better handling of sterilisation coverage needs to be replicated in the Kashmir division. He questioned why the relatively better implementation of Animal Birth Control being followed in Jammu has not been implemented efficiently in Kashmir. The disparity in handling the stray dog population between the two regions of the union territory raises questions about resource allocation, administrative efficiency, and the need for a unified approach to animal control.

“Within the same territory, we have success of having achieved around 80 per cent sterilisation in Jammu, while Srinagar has not been able to make comparable progress. If we have demonstrated that it can be done in Jammu, we should be able to replicate that success in Srinagar,” he said. This statement underscores the importance of learning from successful models and adapting them to local contexts to achieve desired outcomes.

Seeking a clear assessment of the requirements of the concerned departments in terms of veterinary surgeons, paravets and other support staff needed in Kashmir division, the Chief Minister assured full government support for the resources needed to undertake the work in a sustained manner and directed to immediately engage the requisite staff and take immediate action on ground to address the issue of dog menace including measures for quick disposal of garbage dumps so that dogs do not thrive on roadside piles of food waste. The role of effective waste management in controlling stray dog populations cannot be overstated, as garbage often serves as a primary food source for these animals.

The CM exhorted SMC and Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) to deal with garbage disposal within municipal areas in quick time, which is seen as a major hazard by the public as giving rise to dog menace and giving an impression of polluted cities. The visual aspect of littered streets, coupled with the presence of stray dogs, can significantly affect the perception of cleanliness and safety in urban environments, which is crucial for tourism and local businesses.

He directed that a dedicated team be constituted within SMC to address the issue in mission mode, with emphasis on substantially increasing the number of trained dog catchers, scaling up sterilisation operations and strengthening the availability of veterinary doctors and trained personnel. This strategic approach aims to create a systematic and humane method for managing the stray dog population, which is essential for ensuring the safety of residents while adhering to animal welfare standards.

The Chief Minister stressed that the response must be humane and in accordance with established procedures, while remaining focused on effectively controlling the stray dog population and addressing the concerns of citizens. This balance between public safety and animal rights is crucial, as it acknowledges the ethical considerations involved in managing stray populations while ensuring community well-being.

He called for greater coordination among the Housing & Urban Development Department, Health and Medical Education Department, SMC and other concerned agencies to ensure that the measures adopted translate into measurable improvement on the ground. Inter-departmental collaboration is vital for the successful implementation of any urban management strategy, particularly one that involves multiple stakeholders and varying areas of expertise.

The Chief Minister said the objective should be to develop a sustainable and effective mechanism for addressing the stray dog issue not only in Srinagar but across Jammu and Kashmir. Establishing a long-term strategy will require continuous evaluation and adjustment of policies and practices to ensure that they meet the evolving needs of the community.

Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Housing & Urban Development Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary Health & Medical Education M Raju, Commissioner Secretary Education, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation and other concerned officers attended the meeting. The participation of high-ranking officials indicates the seriousness with which the government is approaching this issue and the collaborative effort required to tackle it effectively.

Jammu-based officers took part in the meeting through video conferencing, reflecting the commitment to unify efforts across the region. This approach not only facilitates shared learning but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility in addressing the stray dog issue that transcends geographical boundaries within Jammu and Kashmir.