Stakeholders push long-term plan against dog bites, rabies

Meeting urges coordinated, multi-sectoral effort and stronger government backing for dog population control across Sindh

IV Report

KARACHI: Amid a reported surge in dog bite incidents — particularly affecting children and women across Sindh — stakeholders at a meeting held under the banner of the Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) on March 30 finalised a draft for a comprehensive, long-term dog population management programme, calling for strong political will to implement what they described as a “scientific roadmap” to curb rabies and related risks.

The meeting, held at The Indus Hospital, brought together 35 participants representing a wide spectrum of sectors, including veterinary experts, animal welfare activists, legal professionals, government departments, educationists, religious scholars and concerned citizens. Representatives from the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, cantonment authorities, and media and training institutions were also in attendance.

Minutes of the meeting, shared with Indus Vitals, said participants expressed alarm over the growing public health threat posed by stray dogs, noting that both urban and rural areas have witnessed a rise in bite incidents in recent years. The increase has been accompanied by a corresponding risk of rabies — a disease that remains almost invariably fatal once symptoms appear.

Estimates shared during the session suggested that Karachi alone may have between one million and 1.5 million stray dogs, underscoring the scale of the challenge. Speakers described the issue as long neglected, warning that hundreds of thousands of people — especially children — face heightened risks of injury, trauma and, in severe cases, death due to dog attacks or rabies infection.

Beyond physical harm, participants also highlighted the psychological toll of the crisis. Many residents, they said, live in constant fear of encountering aggressive dog packs in their neighbourhoods, limiting children’s outdoor activities and contributing to anxiety and post-traumatic stress in affected families.

The discussion reflected differing views on response strategies. While some participants called for culling of stray dogs as an immediate measure, others opposed the approach, arguing that it is both inhumane and ineffective as a lasting solution. Reference was made to international guidance, including from the World Health Organisation, which indicates that culling alone does not provide sustainable control of rabies.

Participants instead emphasised the need for a coordinated, long-term strategy combining vaccination, population management and public health measures, noting that any response must balance immediate risk reduction with durable outcomes. Examples were cited from countries such as Türkiye, Mexico and Morocco, where sustained interventions over time have significantly reduced rabies transmission.

There was broad consensus that rabies control cannot be addressed through isolated measures and instead requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach. Participants stressed that efforts must be systematic, inclusive and sustained, combining immediate response mechanisms with long-term planning.

The draft programme discussed at the meeting outlines a phased strategy, beginning with identifying high-risk hotspots and establishing baseline data on dog populations. It proposes a zone-based execution model, supported by centralised tracking and reporting systems, to ensure transparency and accountability.

Participants also highlighted critical gaps that have hindered previous efforts, including the absence of a clear policy framework, weak data systems, limited public awareness, and inconsistent availability of vaccines and rabies immunoglobulin. Inefficient solid waste management — which contributes to uncontrolled breeding of stray animals — was flagged as a key structural issue requiring urgent attention.

The proposed plan emphasises strengthening healthcare capacity, including improved training for healthcare workers in managing dog bite cases, and ensuring timely access to post-exposure prophylaxis.

In addition, the initiative calls for institutionalising dog population management as a permanent public service, with active involvement from veterinary colleges, civil society and community volunteers. It also proposes a public–private partnership model to mobilise resources and expertise.

Participants recommended engaging international organisations such as Four Paws International for technical support, as well as exploring collaboration with the UNICEF, given the disproportionate impact of dog bites on children.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous call for urgent action, warning that delays could further aggravate the situation. If implemented effectively, participants said, the proposed framework could enable Karachi to transition from reactive crisis management to a sustainable model, potentially setting a precedent for rabies control efforts across Pakistan. 

                                                                                                                                    Courtesy: Sindh Health Department

Meeting photos courtesy: IHNN                                                                                                     Other photos from ST file