LHC directs humane euthanasia of stray dogs

Upholds animal birth control policy

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed authorities across Punjab to euthanise only incurably ill or mortally wounded stray dogs—and to do so strictly in accordance with medically approved and humane protocols.

Justice Shahid Karim issued the order while hearing petitions filed by Eiraj Hassan and others, seeking proper enforcement of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Policy 2021 and protection of stray dogs against inhumane culling practices.

The court emphasised that the policy must be implemented "in letter and spirit" by all concerned departments, including the Local Government and Community Development (LG&CD) Department and its affiliated officers throughout Punjab.

The 2021 policy explicitly outlines that only dogs diagnosed as incurably ill or mortally wounded by a qualified veterinarian appointed by a Tehsil Implementation Committee (TIC) can be euthanised. It further mandates that euthanasia must be carried out humanely - by administering sodium pentothal for adult dogs or Thiopental Intraperitoneal for puppies.

Crucially, the policy prohibits euthanising a dog in the presence of another dog.

The policy also prescribes guidelines for the care and management of healthy stray dogs.

Sterilised dogs must be vaccinated before being released, and marked for identification through ear clipping, tattoos, nylon collars, or tokens.

The branding of dogs is expressly forbidden. Detailed records of all sterilised and vaccinated dogs must be maintained.

Petitioners' counsel, Altamush Saeed, urged the court to recognise that dogs are sentient beings capable of emotions and therefore must not be subjected to cruelty or brutal killings.

He argued that the most effective approach to controlling the stray dog population and eradicating rabies lies in mass vaccination and sterilization through established TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return) protocols, supervised by qualified veterinarians.

Saeed further highlighted that even rabid dogs should not be indiscriminately culled and stressed the need for sterilizing and relocating healthy dogs rather than killing them.

He also called for public awareness campaigns, staff training in animal welfare, and the introduction of animal welfare education in schools in line with Articles 9, 9A, and 25A of the Constitution, which relate to the right to life, security, and education.

The court was informed that various government departments had already issued directives to implement the policy and compliance had begun across multiple local government offices. Justice Karim acknowledged the progress made, noting that the LG&CD appeared fully aware of its legal obligations and was taking steps accordingly.

"Since the respondents are complying with the policy, as is also evident from the replies filed in this case, the petition is disposed of with the direction that the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Policy 2021 shall continue to be implemented and followed by all concerned departments," Justice Karim stated in his concluding remarks.

The court's order marks a significant shift in the state's approach to stray dog management—focusing on humane treatment, scientific methods, and legal responsibility rather than reactive culling, often carried out under public pressure or panic.

Animal rights advocates have welcomed the judgment, calling it a progressive step toward ethical and effective animal population control and public health safety.