Rabid Dog Mauls Five, Exposes Medicine Shortages

TAXILA — A suspected rabid dog went on a rampage in the village of Hameed, Hazro on Sunday, February 8, 2026, injuring five residents, including three young children. While the victims received initial aid, the incident has sparked public outrage over the acute shortage of life-saving medicines at government facilities and the lack of stray dog control.

The Victims

The attack triggered widespread panic as the dog targeted residents across various age groups:

• Khalid Khan (53)
• Ameer Muawiya (17)
• Inayat Ullah (10)
• Muhammad Ayan (8)
• Ahmed (4)

Shortage of RIG

The injured were first rushed to THQ Hospital Hazro for basic First Aid and anti-rabies vaccinations (ARV). However, due to the severity of the bites and the suspicion of rabies, they were referred to Holy Family Hospital (HFH) in Rawalpindi for advanced treatment.

• The Missing Link: Families alleged that while the ARV vaccine was available, Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG)—a critical secondary treatment for deep wounds—was out of stock at the state-run hospital.
• Financial Strain: Victims’ families claimed they were forced to collect donations and purchase the expensive RIG injections from private pharmacies for roughly Rs. 12,000 per dose.
• Official Response: The Deputy District Officer (Health), Hazro, stated that the hospital authorities eventually reimbursed the families for the private purchases on humanitarian grounds, despite going “beyond the rules.”

Policy vs. Reality: Stray Dog Menace

The incident highlights a growing conflict between public safety and new provincial laws:

• The Ban on Culling: In May 2025, the Lahore High Court banned the culling of stray dogs (poisoning/shooting) across Punjab, mandating a transition to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Policy.
• Implementation Gap: Residents in Hazro and Taxila complain that while culling has stopped, the promised sterilization and vaccination programs are non-existent in rural towns, leaving “packs of aggressive strays” to roam residential streets.
• Mushrooming Numbers: Local notables noted that complaints regarding the “foaming” rabid dog had been filed days prior, but no municipal action was taken until the attacks occurred.

Current Status of Victims

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