SHC orders release of funds to tackle stray dogs issue

Also orders reinstatement of the dedicated helpline 1093

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the Sindh government to release funds for tackling the issue of stray dogs and to reinstate the dedicated helpline 1093. This decision was given on a petition against the increasing stray dog population in the city and the inadequate supply of dog-bite vaccines to hospitals.

A bench headed by SHC Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmad Abbasi took up the petition, which focused on controlling the increasing number of stray dogs and the insufficient availability of vaccines. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) lawyer informed the court that the orders had been executed, and a comprehensive report had been submitted.

The project director of the Anti-Rabies Program appeared before the court, elaborating on the measures taken. The court questioned the steps to be implemented and those already in implementation stage. The project director explained that anti-rabies vaccinations were being administered to stray dogs across the province.

Chief Justice Abbasi remarked on the visible presence of at least 50 dogs in the SHC premises. He emphasised the lack of observable actions to address the issue. The project director responded, stating that legislative measures had been undertaken, and three centres were established for sterilisation and vaccination in South, East, and Malir districts.

Chief Justice Abbasi pointed out the need for practical steps, questioning whether any efforts were made to catch stray dogs in the SHC premises. The project director assured that teams had been dispatched to South, Central, and Gulshan-e-Maymar for action against stray dogs, citing a shortage of funds.

The chief justice directed his inquiry to the public prosecutor, questioning the delay in fund release. The court ordered the restoration of helpline 1093, dedicated to action against dogs, and urged the Sindh government to promptly release funds for addressing the stray dog issue. The court also ordered the continuation of efforts to control the stray dog population.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th 2024.