Stray dog menace in Sonwar leaves residents worried

Residents of Sonwar and its adjoining areas have expressed concern over the growing stray dog menace, saying the increasing canine population has become a safety risk for locals, particularly during evening and night hours. The residents said that despite Sonwar being located close to the city centre, roads, public spaces and even petrol pumps in the area are frequently occupied by packs of stray dogs. They said the problem has made movement difficult for pedestrians, especially children, elderly persons and women after sundown. “Children and elderly people hesitate to venture out in the evening due to fear of dog attacks. The situation becomes even more alarming during power outages when visibility is low,” said Arif Ahmad, a local resident. Residents attributed the rise in the stray dog population to poor garbage management and inadequate sterilisation measures. They said unattended waste in several pockets of the area provides easy access to food for the animals, leading to a steady increase in their numbers. A shopkeeper from Sonwar said that the area hosts several private offices, markets and hotels and witnesses regular movement of tourists and locals. “The presence of stray dogs on roads and around commercial establishments creates an unpleasant experience for visitors and raises safety concerns,” he said. Commuters, particularly two-wheeler riders, said they face difficulties while travelling through the area at night. “Large packs of dogs occupy entire stretches of roads during late hours. Riders often have to escape fast or take alternate routes. There have been several narrow escapes when these dogs chase the two-wheeler riders,” said Manzoor Bhat, a commuter. The residents said they have repeatedly brought the matter to the attention of authorities and urged the Srinagar Municipal Corporation to strengthen sterilisation drives and ensure proper garbage disposal. They appealed for immediate intervention to keep the dog population in check and prevent any untoward incidents.

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