Children at Risk as Stray Dog Complaints Grow in Islamabad’s I-10/4
Residents say packs of stray dogs around the Family Health Centre and nearby filtration plant have become a growing safety concern, particularly for children and people visiting the facility to collect drinking water.
ISLAMABAD: Residents of Sector I-10/4 have raised serious concerns over the growing presence of stray dogs around the Family Health Centre, nearby streets and a public filtration plant, saying the situation is increasingly threatening children and other residents.
Children Reportedly Attacked Near Family Health Centre
According to accounts shared by local residents, packs of stray dogs have been roaming streets and public spaces in the area, creating particular concern for children playing outside and for men and women who regularly visit the filtration plant to collect drinking water.
Residents alleged that a particularly alarming incident occurred recently near the Family Health Centre when children visiting the nearby filtration plant were attacked by a pack of around five dogs. According to the residents, two children sustained injuries in the incident. Islamabad Tribune could not independently verify the circumstances or severity of the reported injuries at the time of publication.
Residents Call for Urgent Action
The incident has renewed calls for the civic authorities to take urgent and effective measures in I-10/4. Residents say the presence of dog packs around a healthcare facility and a frequently used public water point poses an avoidable safety risk and requires immediate attention.
Stray Dog Complaints Persist Across Islamabad
The issue is not confined to I-10/4. Islamabad has faced recurring complaints about stray dogs in residential sectors and public spaces. In September 2025, the Federal Ombudsman expressed concern over the growing stray-dog population and dog-bite complaints, particularly the risks faced by children and senior citizens, and directed the CDA and MCI to take remedial measures.
CDA said last year that more than 550 stray dogs had been handled during operations between July and September 2025, including operations in I-10. The civic agency said complaints could be registered through its 24-hour 1334 helpline and that the Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (TNVR) approach was being used.
Court Requires Humane Stray Dog Control
The legal framework also requires authorities to balance public safety with animal welfare. In May 2026, the Islamabad High Court permanently prohibited poisoning, shooting and indiscriminate killing of stray dogs and directed the relevant authorities to implement humane population-control measures, including trapping, sterilisation/neutering, vaccination and release.
Residents Seek CDA and MCI Intervention
Residents of I-10/4 have now urged the CDA, MCI and other relevant authorities to deploy teams to the affected streets, particularly around the Family Health Centre and filtration plant, and take lawful and humane measures before another reported attack results in more serious injuries.
