Canine threat: Average 20 dog bite cases reported daily at Dharamsala hospital

Stray dogs have become a persistent menace in Dharamsala, roaming in large numbers across densely populated areas like Ramnagar, Shamnagar, Dari, Sidhbari, Kotwali Bazar and even Mcleodganj. The unchecked growth of their population has created serious health and safety concerns, with locals reporting frequent attacks and an alarming rise in dog bite incidents.

The situation has escalated to such an extent that the Zonal Hospital in Dharamsala reports an average of 20 dog bite cases daily. Residents, especially children and the elderly, have become wary of venturing outside due to the fear of being attacked. During the mating season, the aggression displayed by these dogs intensifies, making the streets even more dangerous.

Rohit, a resident of Ramnagar, shared his harrowing experience of being bitten by a stray dog during an evening walk with his parents. The attack left him with severe injuries, requiring multiple anti-rabies shots. Many parents have since restricted their children from playing outdoors, as public spaces are overrun by these stray animals.

The issue has raised questions about the vision of Dharamsala as a “smart city”. According to Bikram, a retired soldier and local resident, the promise of a safe and high-quality lifestyle has failed miserably. He criticised the authorities for prioritising concrete projects over critical public safety concerns. The National Human Rights Commission has also taken note, emphasising that human rights should take precedence over animal rights in situations where human lives are endangered by stray animals.

Efforts by local NGOs like Animal Rescue, based in Rakkar, to catch and sterilise stray dogs are commendable but insufficient to address the scale of the problem. The Dharamsala Municipal Corporation, despite its significant resources, appears to have neglected this pressing public issue. Residents are now demanding immediate action from the authorities to implement a long-term, sustainable solution to control the stray dog population and ensure public safety.

The menace of stray dogs remains a glaring contradiction to the town’s smart city aspirations, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective intervention.