Stray dog cullinglands CDA in trouble

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday questioned the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Municipal Corporation Islamabad (MCI) over reports of stray dog killings, calling it a violation of the law.

The CDA and MCI submitted a framework report in response to petitions against the culling of stray dogs. They confirmed that the vehicle in which dead dogs were found on October 9 belonged to the sanitation department.

"Lifting dead dogs, whether killed in accidents or by other means, is the sanitation staff's duty," the CDA lawyer told the court.

He said 2,800 dog-bite cases were reported at PIMS Hospital between January and September, adding that "the welfare side must be seen, but public safety should not be ignored either."

Justice Khadim Hussain Somroo observed that "each dog costs Rs19,000 in maintenance—then why kill them?" He reminded that killing dogs is a criminal act under the Pakistan Penal Code. "We want to examine this matter thoroughly," he said.

Referring to the viral video of dead dogs found in Islamabad on October 9, the judge said an FIR should be registered against the driver involved. "Once charged, he will reveal who ordered it," Justice Somroo remarked.