Stray Dogs Attack Schoolchildren in Peshawar: 3 Injured, Locals Demand Action
Peshawar – July 1, 2025:
In a shocking incident on Monday morning, three schoolchildren were injured after being attacked by a group of stray dogs in a residential area of Peshawar. The incident occurred near a government school in the Gulbahar neighborhood, where children were walking to school when they were suddenly chased and bitten by stray dogs.
The wounded children were quickly taken to a local hospital for immediate medical care. Thankfully, their injuries are not life-threatening, but the attack has sparked fear among parents and raised serious concerns about public safety and animal control in the city.
What Happened?
The dog attack happened around 7:30 AM when the streets were busy with school-going children and commuters. According to eyewitnesses, four to five stray dogs were roaming in the area when they suddenly charged at a group of students walking toward their school.
“I was walking with my younger brother when the dogs started barking and ran toward us,” said one of the students. “Everyone began to scream and run. My friend fell down and got bitten on his leg.”
Local shopkeepers and residents came out with sticks and stones to drive the dogs away. By the time the dogs ran off, three children had been bitten and were bleeding from their arms and legs.
Children Taken to Hospital
The hurt children were promptly shifted to Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, for treatment. Doctors confirmed that all three were given first aid and anti-rabies vaccines. They are now recovering at home under observation.
A doctor from the hospital said:
“The children suffered minor to moderate injuries. They were treated immediately and vaccinated to prevent infection. Dog bites can be dangerous, especially if untreated.”
Fear and Panic in the Area
The incident created panic in the neighborhood. Many parents arrived at the school in fear, worried about the safety of their children. Some even took their children back home without attending classes.
Parents questioned the local authorities for their failure to manage the increasing number of stray dogs in residential areas.
A mother of one of the injured children said:
“Our children walk to school daily—if the streets aren’t safe, how can we protect them? Authorities must take this seriously before something worse happens.”
Stray Dogs: A Growing Problem in Peshawar
Stray dogs have become a growing concern in many areas of Peshawar. Residents say that dogs roam freely in streets, markets, and even near schools and hospitals. Attacks on pedestrians, especially children and elderly people, are being reported more frequently.
One local resident said:
“This is not the first time. We see stray dogs every day. Sometimes they follow kids and bark. Today it turned into a real attack.”
Despite repeated complaints to the municipal authorities, little action has been taken to control the stray dog population.
Why Are Stray Dog Attacks Increasing?
Experts say there are several reasons why stray dog attacks are increasing:
- Lack of Animal Control: There is no effective dog-catching program in many parts of the city.
- Improper Waste Management: Open garbage dumps attract dogs looking for food.
- Breeding and Overpopulation: No proper sterilization or vaccination programs for stray animals.
- Neglect of Local Government: Poor planning and lack of responsibility from municipal departments.
Animal rights groups also point out that while safety is important, stray dogs should be treated humanely through proper health programs rather than being killed or poisoned.
Public Demands Action
After this incident, residents of Gulbahar and nearby areas are demanding immediate action from the Peshawar Municipal Corporation (PMC). They are asking for:
- Safe removal of stray dogs from residential areas.
- Regular cleanliness and waste removal to reduce animal attraction.
- Educational programs to guide people on safely handling encounters with stray dogs
- Long-term sterilization and vaccination programs for animal control.
Some parents have also urged schools to coordinate with local bodies to ensure safer routes for children, especially during school hours.
Authorities Respond
In response to the incident, a PMC spokesperson said:
“We acknowledge the incident, and our team is preparing to inspect the affected area soon. Stray dog control is a serious issue and we will take immediate steps to ensure the safety of residents, especially schoolchildren.”
Still, a large number of locals remain unhappy with mere assurances. They say that unless proper action is taken, the lives of children and others will continue to be at risk.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Such Incidents?
Experts suggest that the following steps can help reduce the risk of stray dog attacks:
- Vaccination Drives: All stray dogs should be vaccinated against rabies.
- Sterilization Programs: Control overpopulation through humane animal birth control.
- Proper Waste Disposal: Keep streets clean to reduce the number of stray animals.
- Public Education: Teach people, especially children, how to safely respond if approached by stray dogs.
- Collaboration with NGOs: Work with animal welfare organizations for long-term solutions.
Conclusion
The stray dog attack in Peshawar has once again highlighted a serious issue that is often ignored. While the injured children are recovering, the fear remains in the hearts of many families who send their kids to school every day.