Punjab Reports Over 5 Lakh Stray Dog Bite Cases Since 2024; Court Seeks Policy Enforcement

Between January 2024 and March 2026, Punjab has witnessed a significant public health crisis concerning stray dog bites, with more than 500,000 reported incidents. Recent statistics obtained from the provincial health and population department and presented to the Lahore High Court reveal that in 2024, there were approximately 232,704 dog bite cases recorded, while 2025 saw an increase to 243,299 cases. The troubling trend has persisted into 2026, where the first three months alone have accounted for 38,586 bites.

Dera Ghazi Khan has emerged as the area most affected, reporting 34,293 dog bite incidents, followed by Rahim Yar Khan with 33,122 cases, and Faisalabad at 32,853. Other districts like Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Rawalpindi have also witnessed tens of thousands of reported cases. Within Lahore, the provincial capital, 18,514 individuals have been bitten, with Gujranwala, Kasur, and Mianwali also recording over 19,000 incidents each.

The health department has stated that it is closely monitoring these developments, ensuring availability of medical treatment and anti-rabies vaccinations for those affected. Officials affirmed that there is a sufficient stock of vaccines in health facilities and regional stores, with current figures indicating 17,079 vials available at the provincial level and an additional 52,640 distributed among various districts. Specific quotas have been established for healthcare facilities, mandating district hospitals to retain a minimum of 100 vials, and setting lower limits for tehsil and rural hospitals.

This data was submitted in response to a petition brought forth by the Young Doctors Association (YDA), which criticized the government’s approach to addressing the increasing rates of stray dog attacks. In light of the findings presented, Justice Khalid Ishaq adjourned the court proceedings until May 4 to allow time for further discussions.

In a related development, the Lahore High Court has requested formal written assurances from several entities, including the Punjab government, the Livestock Department, and the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC), to ensure stringent implementation of the Punjab Animal (Dogs) Birth Control Policy 2021. This legal action was prompted by reports of a contentious dog culling operation in Johar Town, where local officials allegedly used firearms, causing considerable public distress. Barrister Maqsooma Zahra Bokhari informed the court that such actions constituted a severe overstep of authority, describing it as a form of ‘terrorism,’ particularly in light of prior governmental commitments to avoid such measures.

The court has instructed the concerned parties to formalize their commitments to enforce the birth control policy effectively, with the next hearing scheduled for April 13. The judiciary’s intervention underlines the urgent need to address the ongoing crisis surrounding stray dog attacks in the region.

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