Tourist town, canine crisis: Palampur struggles with rising stray dog menace

Palampur, one of the most picturesque towns in the state and a popular destination for tourists, is facing an alarming and persistent problem — the unchecked rise of stray dogs. What once were serene streets and inviting parks are now being taken over by packs of strays, leaving residents anxious and visitors uneasy.

From Nehru Chowk and Ghuggar to the old bus stand, Khilrro and the Yamani Hotel area, herds of stray dogs are seen occupying public spaces, especially in the late hours. Locals say it has become increasingly unsafe to walk the roads at night and vulnerable groups like schoolchildren, women and the elderly are the most at risk.

The growing canine population has not only compromised the town’s safety but has also put public health at risk. The residents blame the municipal authorities for their inaction, pointing out that despite clear directives from the Himachal Pradesh High Court and even the Supreme Court, no effective measures have been taken to control the issue.

A few years ago, the High Court had ordered the state government to make Himachal Pradesh stray-dog free, but implementation has remained largely on paper. In Kangra district alone, the stray dog population is estimated to exceed 10,000, with Palampur being one of the worst-affected towns.

Local voices are growing louder, urging the government to launch a large-scale sterilisation campaign — not just in Palampur but across the district — to check the rising numbers. Many believe it’s the only sustainable solution to control the menace before it spirals further out of control.

The situation is compounded by another serious issue: the shortage of anti-rabies vaccines in state-run hospitals. Often, dog-bite victims are left scrambling across multiple health centres in search of life-saving vaccines, which are frequently unavailable.

Data from the past two years paints a grim picture. Over 1,000 people across Himachal Pradesh have reportedly been attacked by stray dogs, while in Kangra district alone, more than 200 people — mostly children — were bitten. Many required hospitalisation and urgent medical care.

Himachal Tribune