In response to the growing number of incidents, the government had previously initiated a major programme worth Rs900 million aimed at managing stray dogs in major cities. However, the effectiveness of this initiative has come into question, particularly as district-level Dog Control Cells have been inactive for the past one and a half years.

Between 2024 and March 2026, over 575,000 people were affected by dog bites, with Dera Ghazi Khan reporting the highest number of cases at 33,990. In the first half of 2025 alone, approximately 150,000 dog-bite cases were recorded, raising urgent concerns among residents and officials alike.

Local residents have expressed frustration over the situation. Mohammad Nasir Iqbal Khan stated, “Stray dogs are attacking citizens, including children and women, yet authorities remain inactive.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern among the public regarding their safety in the face of increasing dog attacks.

Moreover, the government halted culling operations following a 2025 court order, which shifted the focus towards TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) programmes. Critics argue that this approach has not effectively addressed the rising number of stray dogs and subsequent attacks.

Qaiser Sharif, an advocate for animal welfare, suggested that NGOs could play a crucial role in managing the stray dog population, stating, “Instead, NGOs could take in the two million stray dogs to prevent attacks on the public.” This proposal highlights the need for collaborative efforts between government and non-governmental organizations to address the crisis.

As the situation continues to unfold, observers are calling for immediate action to enhance public safety and manage the stray dog population effectively. The lack of proactive measures has led to increased anxiety among residents, prompting demands for a more robust response from authorities.

With the rising number of dog-bite cases, it remains to be seen how the government will address these challenges and implement effective solutions to protect the public and manage the stray dog population in Punjab.

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