Punjab has recorded 70,586 dog-bite cases so far this year, raising concerns over the growing number of stray dogs across the province.
According to the Punjab Health Department, Lahore has reported 30,514 cases during the year, while four people have died from rabies after being bitten by dogs.
The province is currently reporting around 400 dog-bite cases each day. Official data shows that 38,586 cases were recorded during the first three months of 2026, compared with 243,299 cases reported across Punjab in 2025.
The increasing number of dog-bite incidents has become a major public health concern, with calls for district administrations to step up efforts to control the stray dog population, including campaigns in areas where the problem is particularly serious.
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The Punjab government has introduced several measures to address the issue. These include Capture, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (CNVR) programmes designed to control the breeding of stray dogs.
Municipal authorities have also conducted anti-stray dog campaigns in high-risk areas. At the same time, public awareness campaigns are being carried out to educate people about rabies prevention and the need to seek immediate medical attention after a dog bite.
Authorities have also been asked to improve waste management, as open garbage can attract stray dogs and contribute to their increasing numbers.
However, residents have raised concerns about the poor implementation of these measures in several areas.
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities across Punjab are treating dog-bite victims and providing free anti-rabies vaccines, post-exposure prophylaxis and emergency wound care.