GILGIT: The Gilgit district administration has intensified its campaign against stray and suspected rabid dogs following a reported increase in dog bite incidents across the city.
According to officials, municipal dog control teams conducted late-night operations on Wednesday and Thursday under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner and Administrator of the Municipal Corporation Gilgit, Captain (Retd.) Adil Ali. The teams targeted stray, aggressive, and suspected rabid dogs in various areas of Gilgit Sub-Division, resulting in dozens of dogs being culled.
Captain (Retd.) Adil Ali urged residents to keep their pet dogs securely confined within their homes or enclosed premises and prevent them from roaming freely to avoid being affected during the ongoing campaign.
The administration launched the intensified operation after reports of attacks by stray and suspected rabid dogs received widespread attention on social and electronic media. Officials said the campaign is being carried out under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner Gilgit and that hundreds of stray dogs have already been removed as part of the ongoing public safety drive.Authorities maintained that operations will continue in areas where stray dog populations pose a threat to residents.
Animal Welfare Perspective:
While protecting public safety remains a top priority, animal welfare advocates emphasize that long-term management of stray dog populations should also include humane measures such as vaccination, sterilization, responsible pet ownership, and improved waste management. Experts note that combining emergency public safety measures with sustainable animal welfare strategies can help reduce dog bite incidents while ensuring humane treatment of animals in accordance with international best practices.
