Rabies stalks Lahore as dog attacks surge
He was rushed to a nearby community health centre but was later taken to Ghallanai Headquarters Hospital where he was informed the facility did not have the rabies vaccine. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE
A rise in stray dog attacks across Lahore has triggered widespread concern over public safety, following the tragic death of a nine-year-old girl in Township that has reignited debate over animal control policies and healthcare preparedness.
The victim, identified as Mehr, was fatally mauled by stray dogs near her residence, highlighting what experts describe as an escalating crisis in the provincial capital.
Lahore, long known for its cultural vibrancy and historic heritage, is now grappling with a growing stray dog population that residents say has made streets increasingly unsafe.
According to a "Status Report 202426" issued by the Punjab Health Department, more than 436,800 dog-bite cases have been reported across the province over the past two years.
In Lahore alone, the stray dog population is estimated to have exceeded 700,000, with 30 to 40 bite incidents reported daily.
Medical professionals have expressed serious concerns over the situation, urging urgent intervention.
Dr Salman Kazmi, Secretary-General of the Young Doctors Association, said existing policies have hindered effective action.
"Under the law, it is the state's responsibility to eliminate dangerous animals, but the 2021 Animal Birth Control policy has slowed down response measures.
By the time sterilisation processes are completed, many people have already been attacked," he said.
Animal welfare advocates, however, argue that the issue lies in poor implementation rather than policy design.
Rescue Dogs Shelter CEO Nadia Khawaja Hassan said a coordinated and scientific approach could significantly reduce the stray population.
"If each town sets up a sterilisation center handling around 150 dogs per month with proper tracking, the population can be brought under control within a year. Unfortunately, resources are not being utilised efficiently," she stated.
Health experts have also warned about the deadly risk of rabies, a disease that remains almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Dr Quratul Ain Shafqat of the Disaster Response Service stressed the need for preventive measures.
"Rabies is 100% fatal. Vaccination must be made free and widely available, similar to polio campaigns, especially for vulnerable populations," she said.
The crisis is further compounded by the high cost and limited availability of anti-rabies treatment. According to pharmacy sources, a single dose of Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) costs around Rs2,200, while Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG), required for severe cases, can cost between Rs80,000 and Rs100,000.
These medicines are often scarce, particularly outside major urban centers.
In many rural areas, access to life-saving treatment remains extremely limited, leaving affected families with few options.
Public health experts warn that delays in treatment significantly increase the risk of fatalities.
The death of Mehr has deeply shaken her family and community. Her uncle, Shaukat, called on authorities to take immediate and effective measures to prevent further tragedies.
Residents across Lahore have echoed similar concerns, urging the government to launch a comprehensive emergency response plan. Proposed measures include the removal of aggressive stray dogs, expansion of sterilisation programs, and provision of free anti-rabies vaccines at all public hospitals.
Officials have yet to announce any large-scale intervention, but pressure is mounting as incidents continue to rise.