Handwara, June 17: Panic gripped several villages of Handwara on Wednesday after a series of stray dog attacks left at least ten people injured in different areas of the town and its adjoining villages.
According to officials at Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara, ten persons were brought to the hospital after being attacked and bitten by stray dogs. The victims belonged to different villages and localities of Handwara and suffered injuries of varying severity.
Hospital officials said that most of the injured were males. Doctors attending the victims stated that while some patients sustained serious injuries on different parts of their bodies, others received minor wounds. All the injured were provided immediate medical attention, anti rabies treatment and necessary medication. Most of them were later discharged after treatment, while their condition remains stable.
The injured have been identified as Sajid Ali of Maratgam, Bilal Ahmad of Maratgam, Khazir Mohammad of Pohrupeth, Ghulam Mohammad of Hangah, Mohammad Iqbal of Chogal, Shameema of Chogal, Basharat Bashir of Maratgam, Sadiya Majid of Sodal, Rifat Ramzan of Shahlal and Syed Umar of Chogal.
Doctors said that the victims suffered injuries after being attacked by stray dogs in their respective localities. Some of the victims sustained bites on their hands, legs and other body parts, causing fear among local residents.
The incidents have sparked concern among the people of the affected villages, who said the growing stray dog population has become a serious threat to public safety. Residents said that fear and panic have spread in the area following the attacks, especially among children, elderly persons and women.
Several locals expressed concern over the safety of school going children, stating that many parents are now reluctant to send their children to schools without adult supervision. They alleged that stray dogs frequently roam through residential areas, roads and school routes, posing a constant danger to pedestrians.
Residents urged the district administration, municipal authorities and the Animal Husbandry Department to take immediate and effective measures to tackle the menace. They demanded a comprehensive action plan, including the identification, sterilisation and relocation of aggressive stray dogs to prevent further attacks.
The locals warned that if timely measures are not taken, more such incidents may occur in the coming days, putting the lives of residents at risk.
