Township dog bite sparks fear

CM orders strict measures to curb stray dogs

LAHORE:

Dog bite incidents could not be contained across Lahore and Punjab as with After more than 275,000 cases of dog bite were reported in Punjab in 2025, a fresh attack in the Township area of Lahore has spread fear among local residents.

An eight years old girl was critically injured by a stray dog on the second day of Eid and she died later.

The victim, Mahar, was playing near her home when a stray dog suddenly attacked her. The dog bit her repeatedly, leaving her severely injured. She was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors provided emergency treatment and placed her under close observation.

The incident triggered fear and anger among residents who gathered in the area and demanded immediate action from authorities. Eyewitnesses said the girl had been enjoying Eid celebrations moments before the attack turned the festive atmosphere into panic and distress for her family.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the departments concerned to urgently submit a report.

She also ordered strict measures to address the growing threat of stray dogs and ensure accountability of local bodies responsible for public safety.

Official figures show that over 275,000 dog bite cases were recorded across Punjab in 2025, averaging nearly 900 incidents daily. However, a higher actual number is expected due to underreporting in several districts.

A medical specialist in a major hospital in Lahore, Dr Ikramul Haq, said, "Every day we receive dozens of dog bite victims, including children. The burden on emergency wards is increasing and without preventive control, hospitals alone cannot manage this crisis."

Adding another perspective, a social activist, Ansa Butt, stated that the issue is not just about stray dogs but governance failure. "There is no sustained coordination between municipal authorities and health departments. Temporary campaigns are launched but there is no long term planning. Without a scientific approach like mass vaccination and sterilisation these incidents will continue," she explained.

Hospitals in Lahore frequently report a surge in dog bite cases.

"The Punjab government has introduced several measures to control the situation, including Capture, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (CNVR) programmes to limit the breeding of stray dogs. Municipal bodies have also conducted anti-stray dog campaigns in high-risk areas, while awareness campaigns have been launched to educate citizens about rabies prevention and the importance of timely treatment," said a senior heath department official.

Authorities have also been directed to improve waste management systems, as open garbage attracts stray dogs and contributes to their population growth. However, residents argue that these measures have not been implemented effectively.

"Healthcare facilities in Punjab offer treatment for dog bite victims, including free anti-rabies vaccines, post-exposure prophylaxis and emergency wound care. The punjab health department took this issue seriously and all hospitals in Punjab have vaccination facilities for dog bites," a health department spokesperson, Syyed Hamad Raza.

However, challenges such as occasional vaccine shortages, overcrowded hospitals and lack of awareness about completing the full course of vaccination continue to hinder effective treatment.

Medical experts warn that rabies remains a fatal disease once symptoms appear, making immediate and complete medical care essential. Delays in treatment or incomplete vaccination significantly increase the risk of death.