Punjab is grappling with a rising public health challenge as dog bite incidents and rabies cases continue to climb sharply across the province.

The province has recorded more than 1.3 million dog bite cases over the past five years, including nearly half a million in the last two years alone. Rabies — a vaccine-preventable but almost always fatal disease once symptoms appear — continues to claim hundreds of lives annually, underscoring gaps in prevention and response systems.

Authorities have previously attempted population control measures, including culling, but the Lahore High Court has ruled such practices unlawful, directing officials to adopt humane alternatives such as sterilization and vaccination programs. However, implementation on the ground remains inconsistent, with reports of shortages in rabies vaccines and delays in treatment.

The situation has reignited debate over whether the crisis stems primarily from uncontrolled stray dog populations or from weaknesses in public health planning, enforcement and resource allocation.