LHC orders plan to curb dog-bite cases

Directs livestock, local govt, health depts to prepare comprehensive response

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has expressed concern over the increasing number of dog-bite incidents in the city, directing key government departments to formulate a coordinated response to the issue.

During the hearing of a petition against a surge in stray dog attacks, Justice Khalid Ishaq remarked that while animals also have rights, "children of the most superior of creations are being bitten by dogs on the streets."

The court stressed that public safety cannot be compromised.

Advocate Azhar Siddique informed the court that more than 1,700 people bitten by dogs had been brought to the Mayo Hospital in the past year. He stressed the need for the authorities to act urgently, citing the rising threat of rabies and the limited availability of vaccines.

The lawyer argued that the unchecked stray dog population was the core issue, adding that stray dogs were now seen even in upscale areas such as DHA.

The court asked the respondents' counsel whether the claim about rising incidents was factually correct. The defence lawyer responded that many of the attacks had occurred because stray dogs had not been neutered, leading to uncontrolled population growth.

Advocate Siddique said the government should be pressed to review the availability of rabies vaccines, emphasising a gap between rising bite cases and insufficient medical resources.

The court directed the livestock, local government and health departments to hold a joint meeting and prepare a comprehensive response.

"We are providing six-point Terms of Reference (TORs)," the court remarked. "All departments must consult each other on this matter and submit a detailed report."

Justice Khalid Ishaq adjourned further proceedings, ordering authorities to present their coordinated plan and findings at the next hearing.