 Early Times Report
RAJOURI, Aug 12: Residents of Rajouri have appealed to the Deputy Commissioner to take note of alarming surge in stray dog attacks in the district and urged the administration to implement Supreme Court directives to curb the menace. Residents told Early Times that on August 11, 2025, the District Hospital Rajouri reported 23 dog bite cases in a single day, highlighting the growing threat to public safety, particularly for children, women, and the elderly. In a written communication to the Deputy Commissioner, the residents pointed out that the Supreme Court of India, in its order dated August 11, 2025, in Suo Motu Writ (Civil) No. 5/2025, has issued strong directions to tackle the stray dog menace and prevent rabies. While the case pertained to Delhi and adjoining areas, the court's observations were said to have persuasive applicability across the country, including Rajouri.
The Apex Court's key directives include: Immediate capture of all stray dogs, especially from vulnerable areas such as schools, playgrounds, places of worship, public parks, and other public spaces, and shifting them to designated shelters.
Permanent detention of stray dogs in shelters, with no release back into the streets. Creation of adequate shelter infrastructure with CCTV monitoring, staff, and facilities for sterilization and vaccination.
Setting up a helpline within a week for dog bite complaints, ensuring capture of the offending dog within four hours of a report. Ensuring anti-rabies vaccine availability and maintaining proper records.
Strict penal action against those obstructing dog removal operations.
The Supreme Court has categorically stated: "Infants and young children, not at any cost, should fall prey to rabies. No sentiments should be involved," while terming the release of sterilized dogs back into the same locality as "absolutely absurd."
The letter to the DC Rajouri requested immediate steps, including forming a dedicated dog-catching unit, setting up permanent or temporary shelters, launching a helpline, ensuring adequate vaccine stocks, and issuing periodic public reports on the number of stray dogs captured, sheltered, sterilized, and vaccinated.
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