LAHORE, Mar 04 (APP):The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday directed that all petitions seeking action against stray and rabid dogs be consolidated and fixed for joint proceedings.
Justice Khalid Ishaq issued the directions while hearing a petition filed by Young Doctors Association (YDA) Secretary General Salman Kazmi through his counsel, Advocate Azhar Siddique.
During the hearing, a report of a committee constituted in response to the petition was submitted before the court. The court was informed that the committee met under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department, to review the growing number of dog-bite cases across the province.
The meeting was apprised of the rising incidents of dog bites in Punjab. It was further informed that while anti-rabies vaccines are available in hospitals, there is a shortage of Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG), a critical injection required in severe cases. However, the committee noted that RIG is needed only in serious cases and in a small proportion of overall incidents.
According to the report, under the Animal Birth Control policy, killing dogs is prohibited, and only incurably ill or critically injured dogs may be euthanized on humanitarian grounds. The authorities plan to control the stray dog population through sterilization, it added.
After reviewing the report, the court adjourned further proceedings and ordered consolidation of all identical petitions on the matter.
The petition expressed grave concern over the increasing number of dog attacks in Punjab, stating that the stray dog population has surged, resulting in multiple injuries to citizens. It further contended that rabies vaccines are not readily available in hospitals.
The petitioner urged the court to direct the authorities to take concrete measures to protect citizens from stray dogs and to ensure the timely provision of vaccination facilities.
LHC orders consolidation of petitions on stray, rabid dogs
