PHAGWARA: The menace of stray dogs has been escalating in every street and neighborhood of the city, creating a serious threat to public safety. Fearful of dog attacks, residents—especially children and the elderly—are increasingly hesitant to step out of their homes, particularly in the early morning and evening hours.
Expressing grave concern over the issue, Block Congress Phagwara Urban President and Municipal Councillor Manish Prabhakar stated that packs of stray dogs often pounce on pedestrians, leading to numerous cases of severe injuries and even fatalities due to dog bites. Additionally, many accidents have occurred as stray dogs suddenly run in front of passing vehicles. Schoolchildren and tuition-goers are among the most vulnerable, as they remain in constant fear of attacks.
Prabhakar further pointed out that many stray dogs have turned aggressive due to consuming toxic waste and discarded meat from garbage heaps, exacerbating the danger to residents. Emphasizing the urgency of the matter, he called on the Phagwara Municipal Corporation to take immediate and concrete steps to curb this growing threat.
In a direct appeal to newly elected Mayor Rampal Uppal and the Municipal Commissioner, Prabhakar urged the launch of a large-scale sterilization, vaccination, and population control drive for stray dogs. He also advocated for the establishment of a dedicated dog shelter on municipal land to house and manage stray animals.
Additionally, he suggested that the upcoming Corporation House meeting should pass a proposal allowing neighborhood-level committees to organize and fund dog vaccination drives. This, he believes, will expedite efforts to mitigate the crisis and ensure the safety of residents.
Prabhakar reiterated that citizens have elected their ward councillors with great expectations, and it is the duty of the Mayor and the entire Corporation House to address public grievances on priority. He stressed the need for an immediate and sustainable solution to protect the lives and well-being of Phagwara’s residents.