Community dogs across Kashmir have caused a widespread safety and public health concerns, leading to frequent attacks on residents and everywhere we hear about heated legal debates about havoc caused by these community dogs. Packs of community dogs pose severe risks to children, pedestrians, and citizens, with incidents reported everywhere in Kashmir. Local residents and parent groups frequently clash with animal welfare advocates and regular feeders over public safety versus humane treatment.
Supreme Court of India has reviewed guidelines under the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and Animal Birth Control (ABC) framework, balancing citizens’ right to safe movement under Article 21 with humane treatment mandates, allowing the removal or euthanasia of rabid or dangerously aggressive dogs in high-threat zones.
To stay safe from community dogs, especially while walking to school, going for a morning walk, or travelling through streets in Kashmir, follow these practical safety rules.
• If a dog approaches, do not run or scream, stay calm, stand still if necessary, and avoid sudden movements. Running may trigger a chase.
• Move away slowly. Avoid direct staring or threatening gestures. Slowly increase the distance while keeping the dog in view.
• Avoid places where dogs frequently gather, rubbish dumps, and narrow lanes where you cannot easily move away. Children should walk with a trusted adult when possible.
• If a dog chases you,do not run, kick, or hit the dog.
• Stand sideways and remain as calm as possible.
• Put a schoolbag, umbrella, bicycle, or another object between child and the dog as a barrier, when is leaving for a school.
• Back away slowly towards a safe place, such as a shop or building.
• If knocked down, curl into a ball, protect your head, neck and face with your arms, and remain as still as possible.
What Should We Carry For Safety?
• A sturdy umbrella or bag that can serve as a barrier.
• A charged mobile phone to call for help.
• Avoid carrying food openly in areas where dogs gather.
• Do not rely on sticks, stones, or pepper spray as your first response; provoking a dog may increase the danger.
“Residents facing severe stray dog issues can file a formal complaint with their local Municipal Corporation or Gram Panchayat to request authorized sterilization and animal control.”
What, If A Dog Bites Or Scratches:
1. Wash immediately. Wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes.
2. Seek medical care urgently. Go to a hospital or anti-rabies clinic immediately for assessment and rabies vaccination, and rabies immunoglobulin if indicated. Do not wait for symptoms.
3. Even a small scratch or saliva on broken skin can be dangerous. If saliva enters your eyes, mouth, or an open wound, seek urgent medical advice.
How To Avoid Facing Stray Dogs: To avoid facing or provoking stray dogs, you can use simple, calm behaviors to minimize risk and pass safely.
Prevention and Avoidance:
Never run or speed up: Running triggers a dog’s natural prey and chasing instincts. Walk very slowly or remain still.
Avoid packs and territories: Stay away from groups of dogs, especially near feeding areas, sleeping spots, or mother dogs with puppies.
Do not make direct eye contact: Staring can be interpreted by a dog as a direct challenge or threat. Look down or use your peripheral vision.
Send calming signals: Stand sideways with a relaxed posture, yawn, or avert your gaze to show you have peaceful intent.
Keep your distance: Do not pet, approach, or disturb unknown or sleeping dogs.
Stand still like a tree: Stop moving, keep your arms clasped in front of your chest, and wait for the dog to lose interest and walk away.
Use A Barrier: Put a fence, car, or bench between yourself and the dog. You can also climb onto higher ground like the top of a vehicle if necessary.
Offer An Object: If a dog attempts to bite, put a backpack, book, jacket, or bag in front of you so the dog bites the object instead of your body.
Protect Yourself If Knocked Down: Curl tightly into a ball with your knees pulled to your chest, interlace your fingers behind your neck, and tuck your face and head in to protect your vital organs. Remain completely still until the dog leaves.
If stray dogs are causing a severe nuisance or safety hazard in your specific neighborhood, you can file a formal complaint or request intervention from your local Municipal Corporation or town/gram Panchayat office, asking for authorized sterilization drives and animal control pickup.
(The author is a noted academic legend in Jammu & Kashmir. 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”)
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