Lahore — The Lahore High Court (LHC) was informed on Monday that Mayo Hospital, one of the city’s largest public health facilities, received nearly 1,800 dog-bite patients over the past 14 months amid mounting concerns about the surge in stray dog incidents and the shortage of rabies vaccines across Punjab.
A report submitted by an additional medical superintendent (AMS) revealed that the hospital’s accident and emergency department treated 1,796 dog-bite victims — including a significant number of children — between Sept 24, 2024, and Nov 2025. The figures were presented during the hearing of a petition filed by Young Doctors Association (YDA) Secretary General Dr Salman Kazmi.
Dr Kazmi’s petition urged the court to order immediate government intervention, citing an alarming increase in stray dog attacks and the inconsistent availability of rabies vaccines in public hospitals. His counsel, Advocate Azhar Siddique, argued that several neighbourhoods had become unsafe for children who “cannot go outside” due to the stray dog population. He claimed that authorities had failed to take adequate action despite repeated complaints from citizens.
Justice Khalid Ishaq expressed his concern over the growing number of dog-bite incidents. Acknowledging animal rights, the judge, however, said the children could not be left to be bitten by dogs on the streets.https://t.co/Wm22PQDfhc
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) November 18, 2025
Justice Khalid Ishaq expressed serious concern over the rising number of incidents, stating that while animal rights must be acknowledged, public safety — especially that of children — could not be compromised. “Children cannot be left to be bitten by dogs on the streets,” the judge remarked, directing relevant departments to submit comprehensive reports at the next hearing.
The petitioner further challenged the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Policy 2021, which bans culling of stray dogs and instead mandates vaccination and sterilisation initiatives. Advocate Siddique argued that the policy had become “impractical” in its implementation and had worsened public health risks. He urged the court to declare the policy null and void and to suspend an earlier restraining order issued by the LHC in March 2025 that halted dog culling operations.
You May Also like: Saudi Arabia to Bar Pilgrims with Serious Health Conditions from Performing Haj 2026
The petition also sought orders to ensure that free rabies treatment and vaccines are made available in all public hospitals, along with a province-wide compilation of dog-bite cases, rabies-related deaths, and vaccine stock levels.
As reports of dog bites continue to rise in Lahore and other districts, public pressure has grown on the administration to present an effective strategy. The court is expected to review additional departmental reports at the upcoming hearing, as the debate over balancing animal welfare and public safety intensifies.
