Citizens dogged by feral canines decry official apathy

A campaign against stray dogs has yet to start, mainly due to the indifference of local bodies in the second largest city of Sindh. This inaction has spawned stray dogs, creating safety concerns for residents. The Civil Hospital reported 5,577 cases of dog bites in the first nine months of this year, while 6,656 such cases had been reported in 2023.

The rising incidents of dog bite are attributed to the negligence and incompetence of officials of the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC) and attached departments. Currently, there is no complaints centre for stray dogs at either the HMC or town levels. Stray dogs once roamed the streets at night and early in morning, but now they terrorise passersby and motorcyclists throughout the day.

These stray dogs pose a particular danger to motorcyclists, who frequently report being chased or attacked, leading to loss of control and injuries.

The District Health Department is responsible for tracking data related to dog bites and other diseases in Hyderabad.

However, it doesn't have historical data on these incidents. The Civil Hospital compiles daily records of dog bite patients, showing a troubling trend: 708 cases in January, 761 in February, 749 in March, 615 in April, 638 in May, 551 in June, 518 in July, 577 in August, and 460 in September. Most victims are children and women.

While the Health Department launched campaigns against stray dogs in the city and in Latifabad, similar efforts in Qasimabad have stalled. The responsibility for addressing the issue now falls to the municipal officers and Health Department staff, who have failed to launch an effective campaign. This continued official apathy is testing the patience of citizens.

Following a Sindh High Court verdict, parents of children mauled by stray canines have sought to register cases against the municipal commissioner and union council secretary, but to no avail. This is the reason now many citizens don't to pursue legal action.

They instead seek governmental intervention to address the growing crisis and ensure the safety of citizens.