TIMERGARA, April 5: The health department has launched a campaign to eliminate stray dogs in view of a sudden rise in incidents of dog bites in Lower Dir district. This was stated by district executive officer (health) Dr Saeed Khan.

He was speaking at a public gathering in Talash area here on Wednesday. Dr Saeed said that the health department did not have enough funds to purchase anti-rabies vaccine for hospitals.

He urged the people to come forward and help the health teams in eliminating stray dogs.

He said that in case of a dog bite, the dog owner would be held responsible, as, he added, ignoring mad dogs or leaving them free was a criminal act.

Dr Saeed said that the department was providing free treatment to tuberculosis patients, stressing people to point out TB patients in their locality. He also urged the people to give anti-polio vaccine to their children to save them from the deadly disease.

He said that if any child was left out during the anti-polio campaign, he or she should be brought to the notice of the health department.