Name: Lahore Conference Backs Humane Dog Population Policy Through Sterilization and Vaccination
Uploaded: 2026-04-20T10:10:12+00:00
Description: A major conference on responsible dog population management was held on April 16, 2026, at the head office of Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan in Lahore. The event brought together community leaders, legal professionals, rescue groups, and animal welfare organizations to discuss a long-term solution to the growing issue of stray dog management in Punjab.

A major conference on responsible dog population management was held on April 16, 2026, at the head office of Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan in Lahore. The event brought together community leaders, legal professionals, rescue groups, and animal welfare organizations to discuss a long-term solution to the growing issue of stray dog management in Punjab.

A major conference on responsible dog population management was held on April 16, 2026, at the head office of Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan in Lahore.

The event brought together community leaders, legal professionals, rescue groups, and animal welfare organizations to discuss a long-term solution to the growing issue of stray dog management in Punjab.

Participants rejected outdated culling drives and instead endorsed a humane and scientifically proven policy based on the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) model. This approach focuses on mass sterilization, rabies vaccination, and controlled population stabilization while maintaining public safety.

Among those attending were Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore Advocate Zia Uddin Ansari, President Public Aid Committee Qaiser Sharif, and Secretary Public Aid Committee Shahid Naveed. Also present was Altamush Saeed, Founder of the Alkhidmat Animal Rights Club and Founding Managing Partner of Environmental and Animal Rights Consultants Pakistan.

Representatives from several welfare organizations participated, including CDRS Benji Animal Welfare Project, Pakistan Animal Rights Advocacy Group, Todd’s Welfare Society, Ruffles Animal Welfare Registry, Stormsheart Rescue, and Give Us Life Animal Welfare. The Punjab Police Animal Rescue Center was represented by Dr. Bilal, while Farkhanda and Shohrat Bokhari Welfare Organization was represented by Barrister Maqsooma Bokhari. Independent activists also joined the discussions.

Participants reached a unanimous consensus that Punjab needs a policy that protects both people and animals. Speakers said repeated culling campaigns have failed for decades to control dog populations, reduce dog bites, or eliminate rabies risk. They added that killing dogs creates a “vacuum effect,” where removed animals are quickly replaced by new, unvaccinated dogs.

The conference emphasized that TNVR is already recognized under the Punjab Animal Birth Control Policy 2021, formulated following rulings of the Lahore High Court in Hamza Khan v Government of Punjab. Participants also referred to Eiraj Hassan v Government of Punjab, where the court granted a stay order against illegal dog culling in 2025, reinforcing the legal requirement for humane alternatives.

Speakers stressed that sterilization and vaccination are the only sustainable solutions. By controlling reproduction and increasing immunity against rabies, TNVR protects communities while avoiding cruelty. It also reduces public spending on repeated culling operations that have failed to deliver results.

The meeting concluded with a call for Punjab’s authorities, municipal bodies, and civil society to work together to implement province-wide sterilization and vaccination programs. Participants described the conference as a sign that public opinion is shifting toward practical, compassionate, and evidence-based governance.

📢 For the latest General & Pakistan news and analysis join ProPakistani's WhatsApp Group now!

Follow ProPakistani on Google News & scroll through your favourite content faster!