Pet Dog Attack Injures Schoolgirl in Rahim Yar Khan

News Desk
RAHIM YAR KHAN: A young schoolgirl was severely injured after being attacked by pet dogs while walking to school with her father in Rahim Yar Khan on Thursday.
The incident, which occurred in a residential neighborhood, has once again highlighted the growing public safety threat posed by unleashed domestic pets and stray animals in urban areas of Punjab.
Emergency services rushed the child to a nearby hospital, where she is currently receiving medical treatment for multiple bite wounds.
According to local eyewitnesses, the father tried desperately to shield his daughter from the aggressive animals, but the dogs managed to inflict deep lacerations before bystanders intervened to rescue the duo. Local police authorities have registered a case against the owner of the pet dogs for negligence and failing to secure the animals. “We have initiated an investigation into the matter, and strict legal action will be taken against the owner for endangering public safety,” a senior police official stated.
This incident has sparked widespread outrage among local residents, who have long demanded stricter regulations on pet ownership and a comprehensive strategy to manage aggressive animals in residential zones.
Across Pakistan, incidents of dog bites—both from stray and poorly managed domestic dogs—have been on the rise, exposing critical gaps in municipal laws and animal control enforcement.
Civil society activists are calling for mandatory leashing laws and heavy penalties for negligent pet owners to prevent such traumatic events.
Local administration officials have promised a crackdown on unregistered pets and aggressive breeds kept in residential areas without proper safety measures.
Meanwhile, the victim’s family has appealed to the Punjab government to ensure justice and cover the medical expenses of the injured child. A community meeting is scheduled for Friday to address safety concerns and draft a formal petition to the municipal corporation.