Jammu, 24 August (H.S.): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a meeting on Monday to review the management of stray animal population, especially dogs, in the union territory.

Chief Minister today chaired a meeting of the Housing and Urban Development Department to review the management of the stray animal population across Jammu & Kashmir, with particular focus on stray dogs, Abdullah posted on his official X handle.

Emphasising the need for a solution, the Chief Minister directed the department to submit a comprehensive population-management plan within 15 days, with a clear focus on ensuring public health and safety.

The meeting follows a rise in the stray canine population and a corresponding increase in dog bite cases in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to official data, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed more than two lakh dog bite cases in the past two years.

Jammu district alone has reported nearly 40 per cent of the dog bite cases while the numbers in Srinagar district are comparatively low -- around 12 per cent.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar