Boar attacks deprive citizens of livestock

ABBOTTABAD:

Residents of Bakot, a suburban area of Abbottabad, are living in fear after large numbers of wild boars broke into multiple houses over the past week, killing valuable goats, chickens and other domestic animals, while locals accused the Wildlife Department of criminal negligence.

According to residents, wild boars broke doors and iron cages of at least six houses and devoured livestock and poultry. In the latest incident, wild boars entered the house of Saeed Rafiq Abbasi in Mohalla Qasimabad, Bakot, and killed a valuable goat.

Similar incidents were reported at the homes of Rizwan Abbasi, where chickens and birds were eaten, Tabassum Abbasi, whose goat was killed, and Mushtaq Abbasi, who lost several chickens. At Irfan Abbasi's residence, the animals broke cages and killed chickens and small animals, while at Darvesh Abbasi's house, eight chickens and roosters were killed after doors were broken. A valuable goat belonging to Qamar Riaz Abbasi was also killed.

Residents said wild boars had previously destroyed crops in the area, leaving agricultural land barren. They alleged that a more aggressive, meat-eating breed is now present, which capable of surviving in snow, forests and harsh weather, and is no longer afraid of humans.

The locals have demanded immediate action from the district administration, including Sarmad Saleem, calling for an inquiry against concerned officials, compensation for losses, and elimination of the dangerous animals. They warned that these wild boars pose a serious threat to human life, especially school-going children and elderly residents, and said the authorities would be held responsible for any loss of life.