KARACHI:
Punjab is treating a public health issue as a pest-control problem; consequently, culling is failing both animals and humans. The statistics show that Punjab witnessed a total of 38,586 dog bite cases in the first three months of 2026 alone, and while the threat of rabies and related transferable diseases remains ever present should the government not invest in more humane methods of controlling the issue?
Witnesses say that stray dog carcasses are being heaped onto open spaces, creating a further health hazard for residents and violating international animal rights. Despite the Lahore High Court ban on culling stray animals, it appears that these cruel methods are being repeatedly used, especially in the province of Punjab. Veterinary clinics, universities and animal rights activists have denied that any stray animal has been brought forth for vaccination, contradicting the government’s claims.
That the culling of dogs is inhumane goes without saying; moreover, it is not a viable long-term solution. Many experts have noted that this causes an ecological imbalance and actually worsens the animal population problem, as it leads to rapid breeding among stray dogs and makes them overly defensive and aggressive — creating a never-ending cycle.
It is for these reasons that culling must be stopped in all its forms. Instead of allocating resources and energy to killing stray dogs, the government should refocus on the vaccination and rehabilitation of these animals for a more effective, long-term solution. Death must not be the solution.
Saina Fatima
Karachi
