The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore chapter has called on the Punjab government to take immediate action to control the growing stray dog population following the death of a child in Lahore from a dog bite, 24NewsHD TV reported on Tuesday.
In a press statement, PMA Lahore President Prof Shahid Malik expressed deep concern and sorrow over the incident, urging authorities to revoke the Animal Birth Control Policy 2021 and implement a new, effective framework to curb the rising number of stray dogs.
“Until a new policy is introduced, pre-2021 control measures should be reinstated immediately to prevent further human casualties,” Malik said.
He highlighted that over 400,000 people have been bitten by dogs in the past two years, describing the situation as a “highly alarming public health concern.”
According to PMA estimates, Punjab is home to more than one million stray dogs, posing a serious risk to public safety.
Prof Malik also cited clause 3 of the Local Government Act 2025, which empowers assistant commissioners and district authorities to take action against dangerous animals, including stray dogs.
He criticized officials who claim that court stay orders prevent such actions, calling it an “excuse to avoid responsibility.”
The PMA president urged the Punjab government, local authorities, and relevant agencies to take immediate emergency measures, prioritize human life, and enforce an effective stray dog control policy without delay.