DOG culling has ended in Sindh, the high court was recently told, marking a shift towards a more humane and scientifically sound method of rabies control and stray dog population management. Under the Rabies Control Programme, some 125,000 strays will be neutered/spayed and vaccinated by June 2025. This strategy has been endorsed by recent studies and has been successfully implemented in several countries. A notable example within Pakistan is the Indus Hospital’s Rabies Free Pakistan initiative, which dramatically reduced dog attacks in a small fishing village through vaccination and sterilisation. The RCP’s ambitious goals, including the establishment of rabies vaccination centres across 20 districts, are commendable. However, the success of such programmes hinges on sustained funding, community engagement, and transparent progress monitoring. As dog bites and rabies cases continue to pose a significant health risk, the RCP’s efforts must translate into tangible results on the ground. The high court’s directives for the release of funds, and to launch a dedicated helpline and mobile applications to report dog bites are steps in the right direction, fostering a proactive community response.

Dog culling has never been the answer. It is a brutal, short-sighted solution that fails to address the root causes of disease transmission and overpopulation, such as lack of sterilisation, vaccination, and responsible pet ownership. It merely offers a temporary dip in stray dog population. New dogs quickly fill the void left by those culled, perpetuating the cycle of overpopulation and rabies risk. The evidence is clear: vaccination and sterilisation programmes not only save lives but also promote coexistence between humans and animals. The RCP’s approach, emphasising public education, jabs, and respect for animal life promises not only to safeguard human health but also to uphold ethical and sustainable public health and animal welfare practices. As Sindh adopts humane strategies to manage the challenge, other provinces should follow suit.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2024