ISLAMABAD: Residents across several sectors of the federal capital have called on authorities to intensify efforts against the growing population of stray dogs, citing public safety and health concerns.
Islamabad, like many cities in Pakistan, faces an escalating stray dog crisis, driven by unchecked breeding, poor waste management, and inadequate vaccination or sterilisation programmes. The issue has sparked public frustration amid a rise in dog bite incidents and rabies cases, while animal welfare groups continue to oppose culling as an inhumane response.
According to a report by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), residents of sectors G-6, G-10, I-8, and F-11, among others, have reported increasing numbers of aggressive dog packs roaming their neighbourhoods.
Multiple dog bite cases have been reported, with children and elderly residents said to be the most at risk.
“This is not just a nuisance — it’s a public safety emergency,” said Dr Riaz Naru, a resident of G-6/4 who was bitten by a stray dog near Qutub Shaheed Masjid. “Authorities must act swiftly to implement humane and effective population control measures, ensure vaccination, and protect residents from further harm.”
Residents urged the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC), and district health departments to launch coordinated operations combining vaccination, sterilisation, and public awareness campaigns, rather than relying solely on culling.
A CDA official said that joint teams of the CDA and Municipal Corporation Islamabad (MCI) have already “intensified efforts” to address the rising number of complaints.
Last week, Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi directed the MCI and CDA to take urgent remedial measures after a surge in citizen complaints.
The CDA said its 24/7 helpline 1334 is now fully operational for both urban and rural residents to report stray dog activity.
Meanwhile, improved arrangements have been made at the Stray Dog Centre in Tarmri, where the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) method is being implemented. Under this system, stray dogs are captured, sterilised, vaccinated, and relocated to safe areas rather than killed.
Between July and September 2025, more than 550 stray dogs were relocated from residential, market, and rural zones, including sectors G-14, D-12, F-6, F-7, I-9, I-10, and Bhara Kahu.
Authorities said the Stray Dog Centre is now “fully functional,” and all complaints are being addressed on priority through the helpline or the DC Office Portal.
