The population of stray dogs has increased alarmingly in Orangi Town, resulting in several recent incidents of dog bites. The situation has created fear and anxiety among the local population, particularly for school-going children and elderly people. Although a ban has been placed on the poisoning of stray dogs, no alternative or effective strategy has been implemented by the Municipal Corporation to control their rising numbers.
What makes the situation even more dangerous is the severe shortage of anti-rabies injections in government hospitals and dispensaries. In cases of dog bites, timely administration of the anti-rabies vaccine is critical to save lives. Unfortunately, victims and their families often have to struggle to arrange these life-saving injections from private sources at high costs.
It is the responsibility of the Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the relevant health departments to not only manage stray dog populations through humane and effective means but also to ensure the uninterrupted availability of anti-rabies vaccines in all public health centres.
Ahsan ul Haque
Karachi
