Locals fear stepping out as dog bites increase in Rahim Yar Khan

Incidents are reported at hospitals on a daily basis

RAHIM YAR KHAN: The menace of stray dogs is assuming alarming proportions in various localities of Rahim Yar Khan, giving rise to bite cases and creating a frightening atmosphere on the roads. There is also a sense of fear among children around parks and playgrounds, Express News reported.



The population of stray dogs has become a menace for people in many areas including Satellite Town, Jinnah Park, Hassan Colony, Niazi Colony, Gulshan-e-Usman, Abbasia Town, Habib Colony, Zafar Town and Allama Iqbal Town etc.

Stray dogs have created a hazard for those venturing out on the streets. People, in particular senior citizens, are not able to go outside their houses because they cannot walk briskly enough or run to outpace the dogs that bark and chase them. Young children are also afraid.

To make matters worse, dog bite incidents have increased and such cases are reported at hospitals on a daily basis.

Hundreds of residents and passersby are suffering as a result.

A visit to different parts of the city by Express News revealed that the population of stray dogs has increased to such an extent that they roam around busy commercial areas and bus stops.

People returning home after performing duties, those visiting mosques and children suffer the most as stray dogs not only bark at them, but in some cases rush towards them, forcing them to run for protection.

When contacted, the residents of affected localities told Express News that stray dogs had been roaming in their areas for some time and had bitten many people in the past. They said the people are living in constant fear and had lodged several complaints regarding dog attacks, but officials concerned had turned a deaf ear.

They lamented that the government’s efforts to control the menace are not satisfactory. Despite the alarming situation, authorities are not willing to take measures to address the matter, irate residents complained.



They maintained that the government should devise a strategy to cull stray dogs and provide relief to the people.

They also demanded the government register cases against negligent officials and take action against them for their failure in controlling increasing dog bite incidents.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 9^th, 2018.