Sindh is facing a growing crisis with stray dogs, as alarming statistics reveal a surge in attacks across the province. In 2024, approximately 300,000 people were bitten by stray dogs, with Karachi being the most affected city. The city saw 18 fatalities from dog bites, and more than 70,000 individuals were injured.
Karachi’s major hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of dog bite cases. Jinnah Hospital alone reported over 47,000 incidents, leading to 11 deaths due to a shortage of vaccines. Indus Hospital recorded 15,000 cases, with seven deaths attributed to rabies. Meanwhile, Civil Hospital treated more than 36,000 cases, administering anti-rabies vaccines to 16,150 patients.
Dr. Romana Farhat, head of the Dog Bite Clinic at Civil Hospital, highlighted that children are particularly at risk and stressed the importance of addressing the root causes to prevent further attacks.
The public is demanding immediate action to tackle the stray dog issue, especially in areas such as Baldia, Surjani, and Lyari, which are known hotspots for dog bites.
Medical professionals recommend thoroughly cleaning bite wounds with detergent for 15-20 minutes as a first response. The lack of readily available vaccines and the overwhelming number of cases emphasize the urgent need for effective measures to manage this growing public health crisis.
