Over 1,700 people bit by dogs in one year, LHC told

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday expressed serious concern over the rising number of stray-dog bite incidents across the city, noting that while animal rights must be respected, public safety cannot be compromised.

Justice Khalid Ishaq was hearing a petition highlighting the surge in dog-bite cases, during which the court engaged in a pointed exchange with both sides.

Petitioner’s counsel Azhar Siddique informed the court that more than 1,700 people had been admitted to Mayo Hospital in the past year due to dog bites. “Stray dogs are roaming freely,” he added, urging the court to examine the availability of rabies vaccines as well.

The court questioned the defense counsel, asking whether the figures presented were incorrect. The defense replied that the incidents occurred largely because stray dogs had not been neutered.

Siddique argued that while animals do have rights, the safety of citizens must remain the priority. “Sir, goats and cows that we eat every day also have rights,” he said. “If so, then let’s bring the rights of chickens and goats as well.”

The court responded that animal welfare and human safety must both be addressed, instructing the Livestock, Local Government, and Health Departments to convene a joint meeting. The bench announced it would issue a set of six Terms of Reference (TORs) to guide the departments in developing a coordinated response.

“All relevant departments should consult each other and submit a comprehensive report,” the court ordered, adjourning the hearing.