39 Dog-Bite Deaths Reported in Sindh This Year; CAP Urges Urgent Action

The Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) has urged the Sindh government and Karachi’s municipal authorities to take immediate action following reports of 39 dog-bite-related deaths in the province this year.

CAP Chairman Kaukab Iqbal expressed concern over the reported fatalities. He called on the Sindh chief minister, chief secretary, commissioner Karachi and relevant local authorities to strengthen public safety measures and prevent further deaths from rabies.

CAP Calls for Coordinated Action

Iqbal expressed grief over the death of 70-year-old Ghulam Rasool, a resident of Baldia Town, Karachi. According to reports cited by CAP, a stray dog bit Rasool on his left hand and foot around 20 days before his condition deteriorated. He was taken to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre in critical condition and reportedly developed symptoms of rabies. Despite medical efforts, he died.

Iqbal said stray dogs, particularly those moving in packs, posed a growing safety concern in several parts of Karachi. Children travelling to school, elderly residents, office workers and people visiting mosques could face the risk of attacks.

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He stressed that recurring dog-bite incidents and reported rabies deaths required a sustained, coordinated response rather than temporary interventions.

Humane Stray-Dog Management

The CAP chairman urged the provincial government to direct municipal corporations, town administrations and other relevant authorities to identify high-risk areas and conduct effective stray-dog management operations.

He recommended deploying trained teams, establishing accessible public complaint systems and regularly monitoring areas where attacks occur. Authorities should also respond promptly to complaints and assess locations with repeated incidents.

Iqbal called on animal welfare organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to work with public authorities on practical solutions. He said organisations opposing the killing of stray dogs should help develop alternatives, including safe capture, vaccination, sterilisation, veterinary care and appropriate relocation where necessary.

He also proposed a meeting involving the Sindh chief minister, chief secretary, commissioner Karachi, municipal authorities and animal welfare groups. The meeting, he said, should establish clear responsibilities, measurable targets and a coordinated action plan through formal memorandums of understanding.

Iqbal added that participating organisations should demonstrate measurable results. Authorities should assess any allegations of negligence or legal responsibility on the basis of evidence and applicable law.

Improve Rabies Prevention and Public Awareness

Iqbal stressed that government hospitals and designated healthcare facilities must maintain adequate supplies of anti-rabies vaccines and provide timely medical care.

He also called for public awareness campaigns explaining the importance of seeking medical attention immediately after a dog bite or scratch. People should not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking treatment.

According to established first-aid guidance, people should wash bite wounds thoroughly with soap and running water for approximately 15 minutes and seek urgent medical assessment. Healthcare professionals can then determine the required rabies prevention measures and other treatment.

Government Urged to Prioritise Public Safety

Iqbal called for a science-based and humane strategy to manage the stray-dog population, with a focus on vaccination, sterilisation, responsible population management and trained personnel.

He also urged the authorities to review available resources and ensure that municipal administrations could respond effectively to public complaints and emerging risks.

The CAP chairman appealed to the provincial Local Government Department and other relevant authorities to establish a coordinated system for implementing and monitoring these measures. He said residents should be able to travel through their neighbourhoods, send their children to school and visit places of worship without fearing dog attacks.

Iqbal said CAP remained ready to cooperate with the government, municipal administrations and relevant organisations to develop a practical, sustainable response to the public safety concern.