In a significant judicial step in November 2025, the Supreme Court of India has called upon all State and Union Territory governments to take urgent and comprehensive action to address the growing menace of stray dogs in public spaces, highlighting the serious impact on human life, including road accidents, dog bites and rising safety concerns. The Bench hearing the matter observed that increasing dog-bite incidents near educational institutions, hospitals, highways, bus stands, railway stations and other public places pose a “grave public safety concern” under Article 21 of the Constitution, and directed nationwide measures to prevent harm and protect citizens.
Jammu & Kashmir, particularly the mountainous Kashmir Valley, is no exception to this problem. Here, a large population of stray dogs has profoundly disrupted social life and public health. In many areas, the presence of unmonitored stray dogs has deterred residents from stepping outdoors. Early morning walks and simple strolls have become risky. Children, who urgently need outdoor physical activity, remain constrained within their homes for fear of dog bites that can lead to rabies, a disease that remains difficult and costly to treat. Women find themselves without safe recreational spaces outside the home. Meanwhile, non-communicable diseases such as obesity and diabetes are rampant in both urban and rural areas, and restricted mobility among citizens only compounds these public health challenges.
The Supreme Court has directed that premises such as schools, hospitals and transport hubs be secured against stray dog intrusions and that authorities implement practical preventive measures, including perimeter barriers, inspections, and identified nodal officers to oversee compliance.
Despite these clear national directives, Jammu & Kashmir’s governance framework has yet to match the urgency of the situation on the ground. Citizens, especially in Kashmir Valley, have borne the brunt of inaction. The region’s unique geography and climatic constraints make it harder for residents to avoid public outdoor spaces, yet the perceived negligence in addressing the stray dog crisis has left many feeling unsafe in their own neighbourhoods. This is not merely a matter of inconvenience; it is a matter of public health, safety, and equitable access to basic outdoor life.
The responsibility of governance is to protect the safety and wellbeing of the public. The Supreme Court’s rulings underline that human life and safety cannot be compromised, and that authorities must take proactive steps to implement humane and effective control measures for stray dog populations. These directives are not punitive towards animals but focus on ensuring that communities are safe, that children can play outdoors without fear, and that adults can walk to work or school without trepidation.
In this context, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir must act with urgency. The need for practical, science-based dog population management strategies — including vaccination, sterilisation, sheltering and responsible relocation — is paramount. Waiting for tragedies before taking action is neither compassionate nor justifiable.
Authorities cannot afford to wait for petitions or public pressure alone to prompt action. The Supreme Court’s directives have already set a legal and moral framework that prioritises human safety while acknowledging animal welfare. Jammu & Kashmir’s leadership must demonstrate empathy for the everyday lives of its citizens — especially children, women, the elderly, and those who are unable to avoid public spaces due to work or necessity.
No society can flourish when its people live in fear of basic mobility. Public parks, roads, playgrounds, and neighbourhoods should be safe for all. The lessons from other parts of the country — and the nationwide judicial attention to this issue — make it clear that stray dog population management cannot be postponed.
The people of Jammu & Kashmir deserve a future where outdoor life is not a source of anxiety but a part of normal, healthy living. It is time for the government to align with the Supreme Court’s clear directives, prioritise citizen safety, and ensure that no parent must hesitate to let their child step outside or take a walk. For the sake of public health, for the safety of future generations, and for a balanced coexistence between humans and animals, urgent action is imperative.
Citizens today call upon the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to act promptly and effectively in implementing humane and practical measures to address the stray dog challenge — for the wellbeing, mobility and dignity of all its citizens.
