Nowshera residents demand campaign against stray dogs

PESHAWAR: Residents of various villages and towns in Nowshera district have asked civic authorities and Health Department to launch a campaign against stray dogs in their areas.

Local elders and elected representatives of Kheshgi Payan, Kheshgi Bala, Ahmad Nagar, Tairwato, Nowshera Kalan and Zamandzai said in their joint statement that stray dogs near the Kabul River had become a threat to the people.

They said the dogs had bitten and eaten cows, buffalos, goats, hens and other birds in the near past and sometimes they attack nearby population while in search of food. “One can’t go alone or without a gun or pistol due to these stray dogs near the Kabul River in Kheshgi Payan,” said Zahoor Khan, a general councillor. He added that the wild dogs had eaten goats, sheep and other animals while grazing near the river.

Mohammad Iqbal of Zamandzai said that the villagers could not enter or pass through the local graveyard due to the fear of stray dogs. They said they had informed the officials of the Health Department and other concerned authorities about the presence of stray dogs, wild pigs and jackals in the area but they have yet to take any step against the dangerous animals.

The residents warned that the concerned officials would be responsible if the villagers or their cattle are bitten by dogs.