NAROWAL: The administration seems to be least bothered about the issue of stray dogs as158 people have been bitten by dogs in Zafarwal tehsil during the last 45 days.

Stray dogs can be seen roaming the streets, bazaars, towns and villages of Zafarwal city. During the last 45 days, 56 men, 29 women and 73 children were bitten by dogs. The canine population has increased in many areas.

Those injured by dogs were administered injections and provided with other medical aid at Zafarwal Tehsil Headquarters Hospital.

Seven of the injured were referred to Lahore after first aid.

158 people bitten by canine population in 45 days

Mian Muhammad Ashfaq, a resident of Zafarwal, say locals have repeatedly requested Municipal Committee [Zafarwal] and the assistant commissioner to cull stray dogs but the administration [allegedly] seems least interested in resolving the issue.

Locals Anjum Rafique and Mohammad Kamran say stray dogs have become a nightmare for citizens.

Anjum Rafique says: “Our children are confined to houses as the [dog] scare is increasing with every passing day.”

He says [local MPA] Punjab Minister for Religious Affairs Pir Syed Saeed Al Hassan Shah has also been informed about the increasing number of stray dogs and the surging cases of dog bite, but he did not take any step.

Another local, Muhammad Akram Bashir, says a number of people got medical treatment from private hospitals and clinics.

Assistant Commissioner Zafarwal Irfan Martin was contacted and texted several times on his mobile phone, but he did not respond.

Locals have demanded that Chief Minister Sardar Usman Bazdar take notice of the issue.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2020