The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has permanently banned the poisoning, shooting, and indiscriminate killing of stray dogs in the federal capital.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued the 24-page detailed judgment while disposing of two constitutional petitions filed by Islamabad resident Niloofar and others. The petitions had challenged the alleged non-implementation of the Stray Dog Population Control Policy for the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
The court directed the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad, Capital Development Authority (CDA), ICT administration, and other relevant bodies to implement the “catch, neuter, vaccinate, and release” program to control the stray dog population.
It also ordered the authorities to ensure that no arbitrary, ad hoc, or inhumane action is taken against stray dogs.
During the proceedings, photographic evidence was presented before the court showing dead dogs in a CDA vehicle. The judgment noted that the respondents failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.
“Such conduct raises serious concerns not merely of administrative lapse but of a fundamental departure from the rule of law,” Justice Soomro observed.
The court said that mass and indiscriminate killing of animals without lawful justification is not in line with Islamic teachings from the Holy Quran and Sunnah or international principles.
According to the judgment, euthanasia can only be used in limited and exceptional cases involving critically ill, severely injured, or rabid animals. It must also be carried out by qualified veterinarians.
The IHC directed the authorities to maintain a complete record of all dogs captured, treated, sterilized, vaccinated, released, or euthanized. It also ordered them to prepare standard operating procedures for the capture, transport, sheltering, and treatment of stray dogs.
The court further barred the removal of lactating, collared, vaccinated, or healthy community dogs from their local areas unless there is a lawful and properly recorded reason.
It also ordered the formation of an advisory committee comprising veterinarians, zoonotic disease experts, animal welfare organizations, and civil society representatives.
The court directed the establishment of a dog bite database and an animal abuse registry.
The judgment also called for improved waste management in residential and commercial areas to remove food sources for stray dogs. It further directed the regulation of stray dog feeding at designated places and times.
The court noted that Pakistan lacks uniform national legislation on stray animal management and that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1890, remains outdated.
The respondents have been directed to submit a compliance report to the court’s deputy registrar judicial within 60 days.
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