Shimla turns hostile: Stray dogs create citywide crisis

Once known for its tranquil beauty and British-era charm, Shimla is now spiraling into a dangerous urban crisis — a surge in aggressive, unchecked stray dog populations that are not just a nuisance, but a threat to public safety and life.

- BUREAU

Across neighborhoods, the streets of Shimla are no longer safe. Children walk to school gripped with fear, elderly citizens avoid stepping out early or after dusk, and joggers arm themselves with sticks for self-defense. From Lakkar Bazaar to Panthaghati, and from Chotta Shimla to Sanjauli, the city’s once peaceful comers are echoing with barks and cries of distress. The number of dog bite cases reported in hospitals has seen an alarming rise, with some estimates suggesting a jump of over 40% in the past year alone. This growing menace is more than a health issue — it is a public safety emergency.