The tragic death of an 8-year-old girl from Pulwama highlights the menace posed by stray dogs

Pulwama, known for its quiet villages, is facing a serious problem that threatens its youngest residents. In a heartbreaking incident that occurred during the day on October 14, 2024, Zoiba Gulzar, an 8-year-old UKG student and daughter of Gulzar Ahmad Naikoo of Baigpora, lost her life after she was attacked by stray dogs. This tragic event shocked the entire community and brought to light the growing menace of stray dogs across the county.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. Across Pulwama, stray dogs can be seen roaming the streets especially during the morning and day hours, creating fear and posing a danger to residents. Reports of similar attacks have emerged from various villages and the increasing frequency of such incidents requires urgent action from the authorities.
A major factor contributing to the stray dog ​​problem is the proximity of landfills to residential areas, which attract the animals. Another worrying factor is the reported illegal transport of stray dogs from cities and towns to rural areas where they are allegedly abandoned overnight. This changed environment often makes the dogs more aggressive and dangerous, leading to deadly encounters like the one that killed Zoiba.
While the administration is responsible for tackling this crisis, local authorities in cities and panchayat officials in rural areas also have to play an active role. Effective measures, including sterilization programs, better waste management and strict regulations on the illegal relocation of stray dogs, are urgently needed to prevent further tragedies.
However, the responsibility does not lie solely with the authorities. Parents also need to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their children, especially during vulnerable times of the day. Vigilance and proactive care are essential to protect young people from such dangers.
The death of Zoiba Gulzar is a devastating reminder of our collective responsibility as a society. We all need to think about what actions we can take – whether as parents, community members or responsible citizens – to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
As the community mourns the loss of this young soul, we appeal to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to take immediate and decisive steps to address the menace of stray dogs. Together we must ensure that no other family has to suffer such a painful loss. May Allah SWT grant Zoiba’s family patience and strength during this difficult time.