Dogs have long been considered among the closest companions of humans, with both sharing a deep and interdependent relationship for centuries. Throughout history, humans have relied on dogs for roles such as protection, hunting, herding, security, and companionship, while dogs have depended on humans for food, care, and social bonding. Research and observations across societies show that this human–dog relationship has largely been beneficial and emotionally significant. However, the coexistence has not always remained balanced, especially in the context of stray or street dogs. In many regions, increasing street dog populations have led to concerns related to public safety, health, animal welfare, and human-animal conflict, affecting both communities and the animals themselves.
A few days ago, I received a call from my elder brother and well-wisher, Dr. Farooq Ah. Mir, who is now settled in Russia holding a very reputed position there. We are both from Kashmir, and our discussions often revolve around the beauty, culture, opportunities for youth and challenges of our homeland. Dr. Farooq belongs to the breathtaking region of Pahalgam, a place in Kashmir known worldwide for its natural beauty, peace, and hospitality. During our recent conversation, however, we found ourselves discussing a deeply concerning issue — the growing dog menace and the increasing incidents of dog attacks in Kashmir.
Recently, a tragic episode took place where a dog attacked a pedestrian, creating panic among the local people. In anger and fear, the locals ended up killing the dog brutally. The incident has created large debates. On one side, people felt sorry for the animal. After all, animals too deserve compassion, care, and humane treatment. But on the other side, an important and uncomfortable question arose: what should ordinary people do when a dog becomes violent and dangerous? What should happen when human life is at immediate risk? This is where emotions, ethics, and reality collide.
Every day, newspapers and social media carry disturbing reports of dogs attacking people, children being bitten while going to school, elderly people being chased on roads, and pedestrians living in constant fear in certain areas. Many families are worried about the safety of their loved ones. Parents fear allowing children to walk alone. Elderly citizens hesitate to go for morning walks. In several localities, stray dog populations have increased significantly, creating tension between animal welfare concerns and public safety.
The problem becomes even more sensitive when some people immediately lodge complaints against locals who react during dangerous situations. Certainly, protecting animals is important. Cruelty against animals should never be encouraged. However, those who file complaints against common people should also ask themselves an honest question: what if they or their own family members faced a similar life-threatening situation? What if a child, an elderly parent, or a loved one was suddenly attacked by aggressive dogs? Would they not expect immediate help from nearby people?
Do you know? When fear dominates a situation, people react instinctively. If society begins punishing every person who tries to protect someone during a dangerous attack, then a new problem may emerge. People may begin hesitating to intervene. They may think ten times before helping a child or a vulnerable person in distress because they fear legal action or social backlash. This hesitation can become dangerous for society itself. Therefore, the issue requires balance, maturity, and long-term solutions rather than emotional reactions alone.
During our discussion, Dr. Farooq Ah. Mir mentioned an important observation from Russia. He explained that in many Russian cities, one rarely sees stray dogs roaming freely on roads. Dogs are generally well cared for, managed properly, and integrated into society through organized systems. There are pet culture practices, animal shelters, vaccination systems, sterilization programs, and strict municipal management. People love dogs deeply, but they also understand the importance of discipline, responsibility, and public safety. This balance is something many countries have tried to achieve successfully.
The World Health Organization estimates that there are more than 200 million stray dogs worldwide. However, the Netherlands has set a remarkable example by becoming one of the first countries to effectively eliminate the problem of stray dogs. This achievement was made possible through the CNVR programme — Collect, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return — a nationwide, government-funded sterilization and vaccination initiative. Animal welfare organizations consider this one of the most effective and humane approaches to controlling stray dog populations.Several other countries, including Sweden, Norway, and Turkey and others, have also made notable progress in the field of animal welfare and population management of stray animals.
“As our conversation ended, Dr. Farooq Ah. Mir from Pahalgam Kashmir reminded me of something important: civilized societies do not solve problems through anger alone; they solve them through systems, planning, empathy, and cooperation. That perhaps is the lesson Kashmir and any place in India, and indeed many societies around the world, must embrace.”
There are various studies and reports that suggest that India continues to face serious challenges due to its very large stray dog population, estimated in millions. Concerns related to dog bites, rabies, public safety, animal abandonment, and inadequate implementation of long-term control measures continue to affect many regions.In Kashmir and many other regions of India, the issue has grown because of multiple factors. Poor waste management attracts stray dogs. Lack of sufficient sterilization programs allows populations to rise rapidly. Inadequate shelter facilities leave animals wandering on roads. Simultaneously, local administrations often struggle with limited resources and inconsistent implementation.
At the same time, public emotions are highly divided. One group speaks mainly about animal rights, while another speaks only about public safety. The reality is that both concerns are valid.
Dogs are living beings. They feel hunger, fear, pain, and attachment. Many stray dogs become aggressive not because they are naturally evil, but because of harsh environments, hunger, disease, abuse, or lack of proper care. Yet this truth does not reduce the suffering of victims attacked by aggressive dogs. A society cannot ignore the trauma faced by injured children, frightened families, and vulnerable citizens.Therefore, instead of turning society into two opposing camps, there must be a middle path.
Dog lovers and animal welfare activists can play a constructive role here. Rather than only lodging complaints against frightened local residents, they can channel their energy toward motivating governments and policymakers to establish meaningful long-term systems. Such efforts would reduce both animal suffering and human fear.Governments too must recognize that this issue directly affects public confidence, urban safety, tourism, and social harmony. Kashmir, known globally for its unmatched beauty and hospitality, should not become a place where parents fear sending children outdoors andpeople or tourists hesitate to walk peacefully.
Recently, the Supreme Court of India also observed that citizens have a fundamental right under Article 21 to live and move freely without fear of attacks by stray animals. The Court strongly criticized authorities for years of ineffective action and stated that poor implementation of sterilization and control measures has led to serious human suffering, including attacks on children and tourists. To ensure accountability, the Court directed High Courts across the country to actively monitor the issue and warned officials that negligence may lead to disciplinary action, contempt proceedings, and liability for compensation. In the same proceedings, a Bench observed that in regions where the stray dog population has assumed alarming proportions and repeated attacks pose a continuing danger to public safety, authorities may, after proper veterinary assessment and in strict compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, adopt legally permissible measures to address the threat. The Court clarified that such measures may include euthanasia in exceptional cases involving rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous and aggressive dogs, with the primary objective of safeguarding human life and public safety.
To conclude, authorities must move beyond temporary measures and emotional statements. Serious planning, adequate funding, coordination with veterinarians, NGOs, municipalities, and local communities is necessary. Policies should protect animals from cruelty while also ensuring citizens feel safe in their neighborhoods. Educational institutions have a role to play and media houses should also avoid sensationalism and instead promote balanced discussions.The need of the hour is wisdom, balance, and collective responsibility.
As our conversation ended, Dr. Farooq reminded me of something important: civilized societies do not solve problems through anger alone; they solve them through systems, planning, empathy, and cooperation. That perhaps is the lesson Kashmir and any place in India, and indeed many societies around the world, must embrace.
(The author is Associate Professor, Department of Management, President Institution’s Innovation Council, ITM Gwalior and an IIMA (FDP) Alumnus. He is also certified Business Consultant at. AIMA. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
