Controversy grows over stray dog culling in Lahore

A campaign by the Municipal Corporation Lahore (MCL) against stray dogs has triggered controversy, with animal rights activists accusing authorities of using poisonous injections and other inhumane methods to kill dogs in various parts of the city, while protesters allegedly face harassment and legal action.

In recent days, anti-stray dog operations were conducted in Sultan Colony, Township, Shadbagh, Green Town and several other localities following complaints from residents and reports of dog attacks.

According to district administration and MCL officials, the campaign was intensified after a child was killed in Sultan Colony earlier this month.

Officials said the operation aimed to ensure public safety and protect residents from stray dog attacks.

However, animal welfare organisations strongly criticised the campaign, arguing that the killing of stray dogs violates the Punjab Animal Birth Control Policy 2021 and court directives, which advocate sterilisation and vaccination instead of culling.

Animal rights activist Fasiha Khan, in a social media post shared in May 2026, alleged that stray dogs were being poisoned in Lahore and demanded an immediate halt to the operations.

Another animal welfare platform, "CAWO Pakistan," claimed that activists protesting outside Town Hall on May 6 were taken into custody during demonstrations against the campaign.