Srinagar: In the wake of rising population of stray dogs at Polo View market here, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) today pressed dog-catching teams there. .
SMC employees equipped with nets and other equipment chased canines at Polo View market and caught many of the canines. They were later loaded in vehicles “Growing population of stray dogs has become a major problem in Srinagar. With all development work going on in the city, authorities are clueless about the growing dog menace. Obviously, if the G20 delegates are welcomed in a market full of canines, it won’t give a good impression. It is good that SMC is addressing the issue, but authorities should come up with a proper mechanism to curb the dog menace here,” said a shopper at Polo View market.
Locals and traders said the issue of the growing stray dog menace has not been limited to residential areas of Srinagar. They said with the growing dog population, major landmarks and important places have been taken over by the stray dog population. They said over the past few years, the growing dog population has been showing its presence in important markets, hospitals, public parks, universities etc.
President Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Kashmir, Farhan Kitab, said that such initiatives by SMC are welcome and should continue.
“The stray dog issue gives the city ugly look. This is a good imitative which will help in keeping important markets clean from stray dogs. This will also reduce risk of dog attacks which has been on the rise recently. When the authorities are making good progress to facelift markets, the issue of dogs should be simultaneously addressed,” Kitab said.