KARACHI: Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Wednesday advocated for the culling of stray dogs, criticizing neutering as a gradual approach, amid a significant increase in dog bite cases reported across the city.
Recent data revealed that over 800 dog bite incidents occurred in Karachi within the first five days of 2026. Speaking to the media, Wahab emphasized the urgency of immediate action, stating that killing stray dogs was necessary to control the situation effectively. “Neutering takes time, and the number of dog bites is escalating,” Wahab remarked. He also pointed out that a small group opposed to culling had repeatedly petitioned courts for stay orders, delaying decisive action. The mayor highlighted that the majority of residents favored swift measures and called for a conclusive resolution.
Healthcare facilities, including Indus Hospital and Civil Hospital, reported approximately 850 bite cases during the initial days of the year, with Jinnah Hospital recording over 250 cases. Dr. Aftab Gohar, head of the dog bite clinic at Indus Hospital, shared that a 41-year-old man required finger amputation due to severe tissue damage caused by a dog attack.
Most bite victims came from areas such as Korangi, Hub Chowki, Baldia Town, Landhi, and Gadap Town. All patients received anti-rabies vaccinations; however, Dr. Gohar warned that rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms manifest.
The issue has also sparked political debate. Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Emir Munim Zafar criticized the mayor over the rising number of dog bites, deaths from open manholes, and sewage-related incidents. He accused the Muttahida Qaumi Movement of contributing to Karachi’s decline over decades, alleging the party has played a dual role.
Recently, a boy from Jacobabad died of rabies after being bitten by a stray dog two months earlier, a case confirmed on December 24, 2025. This incident pushed the rabies death toll in Sindh for the past year to over 21.
