Baramulla, Jan 03 (KNO): Around three dozen sheep were killed, while four others were injured in a leopard attack at Lachipora Dazna area of Boniyar in north Kashmir’s Baramulla during midnight hours.
The leopard also attacked the owner of the livestock, Sharafat Ali Khan, who sustained injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the predator reportedly entered the livestock shed, adjacent to the residential house, causing extensive damage to the livelihood of the family.
Soon after the incident, a massive joint rescue operation comprising the Wildlife department, Forest Protection Force and Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched to capture the leopard, and after relentless efforts that lasted several hours, the animal was tranquillized and safely captured, the official said.
“We received an emergency call at around 9 AM, and our teams were immediately dispatched. Despite the challenging terrain, the operation was successful,” Abdul Qayoom, the officer in charge of the operation, said.
Meanwhile, the incident has left the affected family in despair as the livestock was their sole source of income.
Local residents have urged the government to provide adequate compensation to the family, which has suffered a significant loss.
An official from the wildlife department assured that the matter will be brought to the attention of higher authorities to secure relief for the victim. “The compensation process will be expedited, considering the severity of the incident and its impact on the family’s livelihood,” the official said.
He added that the captured leopard will be relocated to a safer environment, ensuring the safety of both wildlife and residents in the area—(KNO)