Project Chintan

Security Personnel Deployed in Rajouri Following Serial Stray Dog Attacks

Authorities in the Kotranka block of Rajouri district suspended classes at approximately 24 schools following a series of attacks by stray dogs that injured nine residents. The district administration deployed police, CRPF, and village defence guards to capture the animals and maintain public order.

· 2 min read
Updated

Key takeaways

  • Nearly 24 schools in Jammu’s Rajouri district were closed following a series of aggressive stray dog attacks.
  • Nine people were injured over two days, prompting the deployment of CRPF and local police to secure the area.
  • A coordinated response involving veterinary surgeons and magistrates was initiated to vaccinate and trap the animals.
  • Standing maize crops have provided cover for the stray dogs, complicating efforts by village defence guards to locate them.

What Happened

In response to a sudden surge in animal attacks, the district administration in Rajouri's Kotranka block ordered the closure of nearly two dozen educational institutions. The directive, issued by Additional Deputy Commissioner Dil Mir Choudhary, affected both private and government schools across at least six panchayats. The security measures included the deployment of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), local police, and Village Defence Guards (VDGs) to locate and trap the animals.

The mobilization followed reports of nine individuals being bitten by dogs described as rabid or ferocious between Sunday and Monday. While one animal was reportedly killed by a villager, authorities noted that the primary suspect in the attacks died after falling into a local stream. Local activists suggest that up to three aggressive dogs may have been involved, utilizing standing maize crops as cover to evade capture.

Background

The administrative intervention was triggered when six injured persons sought treatment at a government health facility on Sunday, followed by three additional cases on Monday. The Additional Deputy Commissioner's order categorized the situation as a serious threat to public safety, specifically citing the risk to school-going children and the resulting panic among residents. Although the school closures coincided with the dog attacks, officials also referenced adverse weather forecasts as a secondary precautionary factor for the shutdown.

Key Facts

  • Nine people sustained injuries from dog bites over a 48-hour period starting Sunday.
  • Approximately 24 schools were closed in panchayats including Kotranka, Mohra, Jaglanu, Kandi, and Khadyol.
  • Law enforcement agencies, including the CRPF and local police, were tasked with the safe capture of the animals according to animal welfare protocols.
  • An executive magistrate was assigned to oversee the operation and maintain law and order during the capture attempts.
  • The Animal Husbandry Department was instructed to provide vaccinations and veterinary examinations for any captured stray dogs.

What Happens Next

The Veterinary Assistant Surgeon has been directed to coordinate with police for the vaccination and medical assessment of stray animals in the affected areas. While local reports indicate the death of the primary aggressive dog, security personnel and local representatives remain tasked with monitoring the region to ensure no further attacks occur. Authorities have emphasized that future measures must adhere strictly to established animal welfare rules while prioritizing the restoration of public safety.

Sources reviewed

Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.

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