Stray dog attack claims minor boy’s life in Lodhran

Three employees of environment department suspended

LODHRAN:

A pack of stray dogs attacked and killed an eight-year-old boy who tried to protect the lives of his younger siblings from the canines.

The incident has sparked outrage among locals, raising concerns about the unchecked menace of stray animals in the area.

The citizens complained that despite repeated incidents and warnings, authorities have failed to address the underlying issues, prompting calls for urgent action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Over the past four months, the district has witnessed a disturbing rise in dog bite cases, with 556 reported incidents causing widespread fear and distress among residents.

This is not an isolated incident, with previous fatalities and injuries highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to address the growing threat posed by stray dogs in the region.

Concerns have been raised regarding the role of poultry farms in exacerbating the stray dog problem, with reports indicating that dead chickens are being improperly disposed of, attracting packs of dogs to residential areas.

Despite mounting evidence and calls for action, the Environmental Department has failed to take decisive steps to address the issue, prompting demands for accountability and justice from the community.

The family members of the victims have urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident and take necessary measures to hold those responsible accountable.

Three employees of the Environmental Department have been suspended pending an inquiry, as part of action launched over negligence by the department concerned.

Additionally, an inquiry officer has been appointed to investigate the circumstances leading to the incident and recommend necessary measures to prevent recurrence.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2024.