Activists set for protests over inhumane killing of stray dogs in Punjab

Killing stray dogs is illegal and a violation of court orders, says animal rights activist Sarah Gandapur.

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Protests are set to take place in Punjab against the killing of stray dogs. Animal rights organizations and activists in various parts of Punjab, including Lahore, have expressed serious concern over the killing of stray dogs.

Well-known animal rights activist Sarah Gandapur condemned this inhumane practice in an interview with Express News, stating, "Animals, like us, are living beings, they feel pain, joy, and love. We should not be cruel to them; instead, we should adopt a civilized and humane attitude."

Sarah Gandapur added that the Lahore High Court had already imposed a clear ban on the mass killing of dogs and directed the Punjab government to implement a humane population control policy for animals, known as TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release).

However, despite the court's order, various housing societies and local authorities have failed to enforce this policy. She said, "This is open lawlessness and an insult to the court's orders. We will not only take legal action but also plan a large protest to hold the responsible authorities accountable."

Sarah highlighted an interesting aspect, stating that rather than killing stray dogs, if they were properly cared for, they could serve as a natural security system. She explained that her NGO, Saaya Animal Welfare, launched a campaign called "Street Dogs as Guard Dogs" at institutions like Punjab University to raise awareness that these animals could act as natural protectors and help prevent crimes.

While some citizens argue that stray dogs are dangerous and attack humans, Sarah Gandapur dismissed this claim, stating that in most cases, dog attacks are a result of the cruelty they endure. "If an animal is beaten, starved, or scared, it will definitely react. We must solve this issue in a civilized manner, not by mass killing them."

She further explained that recent incidents at cemeteries, which are being used to justify the killing of dogs, are often due to human factors such as poor burial practices or criminals desecrating graves.

Sarah emphasised that she and other animal rights activists are preparing for a large protest to raise public awareness about this serious issue and to pressure the authorities to strictly implement court orders.

She said, "This is not just an issue of animal rights but also of the rule of law. If court orders are not enforced, it becomes a serious matter. We are soon going to file a new petition and directly ask the government why this illegal practice continues."

Sarah Gandapur urged the government to enforce the TNVR policy effectively and take responsibility for the task instead of relying on animal rescue organizations. She added, "We have repeatedly met with government representatives, but each time only promises are made, no practical steps are taken."

She appealed to the public to treat animals humanely and stop the mass killing based on unnecessary fear and hatred. "We must ask ourselves, if we can torture and kill an innocent, voiceless animal, how can we call ourselves a civilized and developed nation?"

Eariler, the Lahore High Court, Rawalpindi Bench, Justice Jawad Hassan, issued a landmark ruling directing the Government of Punjab and local authorities to strictly adhere to protocols ensuring the humane treatment of stray dogs. The court imposed a strict ban on the indiscriminate killing of stray dogs and mandated compliance with Sections 8 and 9 of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Policy 2021.  

According to the court's directives, only those dogs that are incurably ill or suffering from fatal injuries may be euthanised under the supervision of a qualified veterinary expert using humane methods.

Furthermore, the court explicitly ordered that no dog shall be euthanised in the presence of another dog and that all actions must align with established humane treatment standards.  As a result of this ruling, the practice of culling stray dogs has been completely prohibited.