Pulwama, Jun 17 (KNO): A day after a rabid dog attacked and injured nearly a dozen people in Padgampora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, scores of residents held a protest on Tuesday, demanding an immediate closure of the local dumping site.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), locals alleged that the dumping site was the main cause behind the rise in stray dog population and the recent attacks.
Shouting slogans, the residents including women and children urged authorities to act before more people fall victim. “This dumping site is putting our lives at risk. We can’t even send our children outside. Every day brings a new danger,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a local.
The residents said that the rabid dog went on a biting spree on Sunday evening and Monday leaving nearly a dozen people injured. The incident has left the entire village in a state of fear.
“This is not the first time. We have been raising our voices for a long time, but authorities only act when something serious happens. We are afraid someone may lose their life next time,” said Javaid Ahmad, another resident.
He said that one person in the area has already lost life after being attacked by dogs recently.
The protesters held the open garbage dumping directly responsible for attracting and feeding stray dogs in the area. They said that without sterilization or relocation measures, the number of dogs will continue to grow. “Either shut this dumping site or shift us somewhere else,” said Shakeela Bano.
The locals stated nobody from the administration has visited the area following the attack by rabid dog.
“We want justice and a safe environment,” said Mohammad Ramzan, another villager. “If nothing is done, we will have no option but to intensify our protest.”
Locals have sought the attention of MLA Pulwama and other concerned authorities in this regard.
An official told KNO that teams from the medical, municipal, and revenue departments were immediately dispatched to the area. “We have taken note of the incident. Anti-rabies treatment has been given, and steps are being taken to safeguard the public,” he said—(KNO)