More than 2.06 lakh dog bite cases were reported across Jammu and Kashmir during 2024 and 2025, with Jammu district emerging as the worst affected, the government informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
Replying to a question from National Conference MLA Mubarak Gul, Health Minister Sakina Itoo said that 2,06,460 dog bite incidents were recorded across the Union Territory over the two-year period. Of these, 93,765 cases were reported in 2024 and 1,12,695 in 2025.
The Jammu division accounted for the larger share, reporting 1,26,844 cases. Jammu district alone registered 76,824 incidents, followed by Kathua with 17,129 and Udhampur with 8,179 cases. Other districts in the division included Rajouri (7,140), Samba (5,332), Doda (4,111), Reasi (2,752), Poonch (2,023), Ramban (1,772) and Kishtwar (1,582).
In the Kashmir division, 79,616 cases were recorded during the same period, including 38,902 in 2024 and 40,714 in 2025. Srinagar reported the highest number at 35,174 cases, followed by Baramulla (12,882) and Anantnag (10,818). Budgam logged 5,523 cases, Kulgam 3,925, Kupwara 3,725, Bandipora 2,914, Pulwama 2,197, Ganderbal 1,695 and Shopian 462.
The minister said the figures were compiled from data provided by the Directorate of Health Services, Government Medical Colleges and SKIMS. She added that the government is strengthening prevention and treatment systems to deal with the rising number of dog bite incidents.
On stray dog population, the minister said there is no official report indicating an increase within Jammu Municipal Corporation limits. However, a scientific survey conducted by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation in 2023 estimated around 64,416 stray dogs in Srinagar.
To address the issue, the SMC is implementing an Animal Birth Control and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ABC-ARV) programme and is setting up a third sterilisation and vaccination centre at Ahal Chatterhama to significantly enhance capacity. Authorities said all measures are being carried out in line with Supreme Court guidelines mandating sterilisation, vaccination and release as the approved method for managing stray dog populations.
