09/05/2026
Senior Vice President of Jammu & Kashmir Awami National Conference (ANC), Mr. Muzaffar Shah, has expressed serious concern over the registration of an FIR against civilians who allegedly intervened to save a man from a violent stray dog attack in Magam, Budgam.
Mr. Shah said the incident has once again exposed the growing menace of stray dog attacks across Kashmir, where innocent citizens, including children and elderly persons, continue to live in fear due to repeated attacks and mauling incidents.
While emphasizing that unnecessary cruelty towards animals should never be encouraged, Mr. Shah questioned the wisdom of initiating criminal proceedings against individuals who, according to eyewitnesses and the injured victim himself, acted only to save a human life during a dangerous situation.
“Human life cannot become secondary. When a person is being attacked and people rush to save him, their intention is to protect a fellow human being, not to commit cruelty,” Mr. Shah stated.
He said the administration must focus on finding a practical and humane solution to the growing stray dog crisis instead of targeting civilians who act in emergency situations to prevent loss of life.
Mr. Shah also urged the concerned authorities, municipal bodies, and animal welfare organizations to work together on scientific and humane measures, including sterilization drives, vaccination programs, and proper management of stray dog populations, so that both public safety and animal welfare are protected.
The ANC leader further said that the pain and fear of victims of stray dog attacks must not be ignored, adding that society must maintain compassion for animals without compromising the safety and dignity of human beings.
