As per official figures more than 16000 dog bite victims were received in SMHS Hospital Srinagar in last three years. This shows around 20 cases are received by the Hospital 

In a current fiscal so far, 5300 cases of dog bites were registered at SMSH Hospital.

The highest number cases are reported from Srinagar district, over 3300 cases of dog bites have been reported from Srinagar so far in the current fiscal.

Officials said the actual number of dig bites cases could be much higher. “We don’t include the cases treated arperiphery hospitals in Kashmir “an official at SMHS Hospital said.

A veterinary officer told KNS that they sterilize around 10 dogs at Shuhama sterilization center daily.

He said they are also in process of engaging more dog catchers and other allied staff in order to extend the sterilization activity.

He however said the sterilization process gets halted during winter season.

We have to work according the guidelines of animal welfare Board of India which suggest that during winter season dogs may suffer hypothermia, “he said.

In 2014 human society international, an independent organization, conducted a survey which revealed the population of dogs in Srinagar alone was 49,000.

There are three categories of animal bites, Category (a) involved touching of feeding the animal, lick on intact skin, which requires no action.

Category (b) involves nibbling of uncovered skin, minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding, in that case, the wound needs to be cleaned and the patient administered Anti Rabies vaccination (ARV).

The third category involves single or multiple transdermal bites or scratches, lick on broken skin or contamination of mucous membrane with saliva, in that case the wound needs to  be cleaned and the patient  is given anti-rabies vaccination along with rabies immunoglobulin. (KNS)