Surge in stray dogs across garrison city

RAWALPINDI:

There has been a sharp increase in the number of stray dogs across the garrison city and cantonment areas, with dogs frequently roaming streets and inner-city markets throughout the day, particularly after sunset.

Taking notice of public complaints, Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema has issued orders to the municipal corporation and health department for the immediate culling of stray dogs. All dengue patrol workers who have completed the anti-dengue campaign have been assigned duties for dog culling under the supervision of assistant commissioners.

Instructions have been issued to kill stray dogs by mixing poison in meat, and implementation has already begun. According to records from three allied hospitals, the Cantonment Hospital, THQs and dispensaries, 34 people were bitten by stray dogs between January 1 and January 31.

However, no hospital has the complete course of anti-rabies injections available. After administering the first injection free of cost, patients are directed to purchase the remaining injections from the market.

The highest number of dog-bite incidents was reported in Union Council 46 Naya Mohalla, MC Girls High School area, Tahli Mohri, Dhari Hassanabad and Girja Road. School-going girls face greater difficulties during school hours.