Stray Dog Menace in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri: What Measures Are Authorities Taking?

Fear has gripped parts of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district after a series of stray dog attacks prompted authorities to shut around 45 schools in the Kotranka subdivision as a precautionary measure. At least seven people were bitten in two days, according to local officials, prompting authorities to step up efforts to locate and capture the dogs believed to be involved.

The victims were reportedly adults, including a 68-year-old man. Medical authorities said all seven received treatment and anti-rabies medication, while no bone injuries were reported. The school closures were ordered to prevent children from coming into contact with the dogs as teams work to contain the situation. Kalyan Dog Attack: Over 130 Injured After Stray Dog Goes on Biting Spree in Adharwadi; Animal Captured Successfully (Videos).

Why Were 45 Schools Closed in Kotranka?

The closures cover schools in several affected villages of Kotranka. Education authorities said the decision was taken as a precaution to prevent students from encountering dogs believed to be responsible for the attacks.

Children in the hilly and predominantly rural area often travel to and from school on foot, increasing concerns about their safety. Parents have also been advised to remain vigilant and take extra care of children until the situation is brought under control. The disruption to schooling is being treated by officials as a short-term safety measure while efforts are made to address the immediate threat. Vasai Dog Menace: Pack Chases Girl in Krishna Township Near Mumbai, Video Surfaces.

Police, Veterinary Teams Begin Search

The administration has directed police and veterinary authorities to act against the dogs involved in the reported attacks. Teams have been tasked with locating and safely capturing the suspected animals for veterinary examination.

Police have also been instructed to coordinate with other local security and community personnel where necessary. The reported involvement of the CRPF has added another layer to the response, reflecting the urgency with which authorities are treating the situation in the affected areas.

Seven People Bitten in Two Days

At least seven people were reportedly bitten over a two-day period. The victims were adults, with a 68-year-old man among those affected. Medical authorities said all seven were provided treatment and anti-rabies medication. No bone injuries were reported among the victims. The immediate medical priority remains preventing complications following the dog bites and ensuring those affected receive appropriate follow-up care.

For residents of Kotranka, the concern goes beyond the presence of stray animals on local streets. The sudden pattern of attacks in populated areas has raised fears about encounters between aggressive dogs and people moving through the villages.

Children walking to school, elderly residents and people travelling between villages can be particularly vulnerable when aggressive dogs are roaming freely.

The situation has also renewed attention on the broader challenge of stray-dog populations and dog-bite incidents in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger vaccination, sterilisation and animal-control measures.

What Happens Next?

For now, authorities are focusing on three priorities: keeping children away from potentially dangerous areas, providing treatment to those who have been bitten and locating the dogs involved in the attacks.

The school closures are expected to remain a precautionary measure until authorities are satisfied that the immediate threat has been contained. Further action will depend on the outcome of the search and veterinary assessment of the suspected dogs.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 11, 2026 09:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).