The Supreme Court’s recent directive ordering the removal of stray dogs from public spaces — including schools, hospitals, and bus stations — marks a defining moment in India’s struggle to balance animal welfare with human safety. For Jammu & Kashmir, this ruling could not have come at a more urgent time. Kashmir and the Jammu region alike have witnessed an alarming rise in dog attacks over the past few years, turning once vibrant public spaces into zones of fear and caution. It is a public emergency, and only ordinary citizens know what does it mean living in the midst of day to day canine terror in J&K’s cities, towns and villages.
The figures speak for themselves. Dog bite cases in J&K have surged dramatically, with hospitals reporting thousands of victims every year, many of them children and the elderly. The psychological toll, though less visible, is equally devastating. Parents fear sending their children to school alone; women and the elderly avoid morning walks; and public parks, playgrounds, and marketplaces have become uneasy territories. The social life of ordinary citizens has been quietly torn apart by the unchecked proliferation of stray canines.
The Supreme Court’s order now places the onus squarely on the administration. It is no longer enough to cite logistical or legal constraints. The Court has made it clear that States must act decisively — removing stray dogs from public areas and relocating them to properly equipped shelters that ensure humane treatment, vaccination, and sterilization. This is not just a matter of governance but of public health, dignity and urban safety.
The J&K government must therefore treat this as a public emergency. A coordinated, district-level response involving municipal bodies, health departments is essential.
Equally important is restoring citizens’ confidence in their right to safe movement. Towns and cities cannot function under the shadow of fear. Humane management does not mean inaction; it means responsibility, foresight, and compassion balanced with accountability.
The Supreme Court has shown the way. J&K must now act — firmly, systematically, and urgently — to reclaim its public spaces and restore a sense of normalcy to everyday life. The safety and sanity of its people depend on it.
