Stray Dog Menace Rising in Junga; Hospital Administration Seeks Immediate Action

Shimla, July 10: The growing number of stray dogs in Junga town has become a matter of concern for local residents. Packs of stray dogs roaming through the area have led to attacks on schoolchildren, patients, and pedestrians, with several dog-bite incidents being reported. Residents say the situation has created an atmosphere of fear among the public.

Large groups of stray dogs are particularly visible around the Civil Hospital, Junga, causing inconvenience to patients and their attendants visiting the facility. Locals allege that neither the local panchayat nor the Animal Husbandry Department has launched an effective sterilization drive or taken concrete measures to control the increasing dog population.

Dr. Manoj Verma, Medical Officer-in-Charge of Civil Hospital Junga, said that the hospital continues to receive several dog-bite cases. He pointed out that the lack of regular vaccination of stray dogs increases the risk of rabies. He also noted that stray dogs roaming on roads raise the possibility of traffic accidents. Expressing concern for the safety of schoolchildren, he said that children often find it difficult to protect themselves from aggressive dog packs.

Dr. Verma has written to the local administration seeking immediate intervention and necessary action. He urged the concerned departments to work in coordination and implement effective measures at the earliest to provide relief to the public.

Responding to the issue, Junga Tehsildar Kartikeya Sharma said that the matter would be taken up with the Animal Husbandry Department and the local panchayat. He assured that efforts would be made to resolve the problem through cooperation among all stakeholders. He emphasized that public safety remains the top priority and that appropriate action would be ensured.