Irshadullah Khan
CHITRAL: The negligence of the district administration and the TMA Lower Chitral has led to a surge in the population of stray dogs in the city areas.
The shooting of stray dogs was banned a few years ago but so far there has been no strategy to keep the city clear of them.
The citizens say streets and markets are now flooded by these aggressive creatures, including a significant number of puppies.
The uncontrolled presence of stray dogs has also begun to impact traffic flow, causing disruptions in streets and intersections. In particular, canine species have been observed resting under workshops and parked cars, causing inconvenience to their owners.
The issue is further exacerbated after sunset when the streets are occupied by these stray dogs, leading to safety concerns.
Disturbingly, there have been instances of dog attacks on women and children during the day, while at night individuals, especially cart vendors, are at risk. Those who work late into the night, closing offices and shops, also face the threat of encountering these aggressive creatures.
Despite numerous complaints from citizens, the district administration has yet to devise an effective solution to the problem.
Sources told ChitralToday that reports of dog-bites incidents were on the rise, and residents were facing difficulties obtaining dog bite vaccines from government hospitals.
Moreover, government hospitals reportedly lack both dog-bite and snake-bite injections, compelling the affected individuals to purchase these medical supplies from private pharmacies.
President of Traders’ Association Bashir Ahmad stated that there had been a surge in the dog population in Chitral.
Following the birth of puppies, individuals are transporting them in vehicles and subsequently abandon them in Chitral Bazar, resulting in an increase in their breeding.
Mr Bashir said they had previously brought the issue under the attention of the deputy commissioner and TMA officials, but no effective strategy had been implemented yet.
Shockingly, the authorities concerned have not initiated any drive to control the stray dogs in the city for the past two decades.
Moreover, shooting of dogs has been prohibited, leading to the dismissal of the squads employed in government institutions. Although a poisoning system was introduced as an alternative, it remains unimplemented.
On the other hand, the municipal corporation cites a lack of funds as the reason for not initiating any campaign to get rid of the menace.
Citizens, including Wasim, Akram Khan and Hafizullah, warned that if the authorities concerned failed to find a suitable solution to the issue, residents nay resort to eliminating the dogs found without leashes in street markets on their own.
They have advised pet owners to leash their dogs to avoid any repercussions for the safety of both the animals and the community.