Zhalay Sarhadi condemns stray dog killings in Punjab, calls culling ‘inhumane’ and ineffective

Actor and model Zhalay Sarhadi has spoken out against the large-scale killing of stray dogs in Punjab, calling the practice “inhumane” and questioning why authorities continue despite court orders against dog culling.

In a video shared on Instagram, the actor addressed viral clips circulating online that allegedly show piles of dog carcasses in Lahore. She criticised the authorities’ handling of the stray dog population and argued that Pakistan has failed to implement humane solutions such as neutering and vaccination programmes.

According to Zhalay, the issue of stray dogs continues to grow due to a lack of sustained sterilisation and vaccination efforts. Instead, she said, culling remains the default response. “We have no solution except killing them,” she said in the video, questioning who has the right to take the lives of animals that cannot defend themselves or speak for themselves.

The actor also reflected on broader animal welfare concerns, citing the mistreatment of donkeys, overworked horses, and elephants kept in captivity. Describing humans as “savage beasts,” she said animals are routinely exploited for labour and entertainment.

Addressing incidents of dog attacks, Zhalay acknowledged that stray dogs can pose health and safety risks, particularly in cases where children have reportedly died following dog bites. However, she argued that many stray animals become aggressive due to abuse from an early age, including being beaten or pelted with stones.

“They react because they are defending themselves from further harm,” she said, adding that violence against animals only worsens the problem.

Comparing conditions in rural Sindh with major urban centres, she claimed that humans and stray animals coexist more peacefully in rural areas, while aggression towards animals is more common in cities.

She also highlighted the international Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) model, a widely used population-control method in which stray dogs are captured, sterilised, vaccinated, and then returned to their original areas. “Such programmes are not being implemented in Pakistan because they cost money,” she remarked.

Criticising responses to isolated dog bite incidents, Zhalay questioned why entire populations of dogs are targeted after a single attack. She compared this approach to human behaviour, arguing that society does not collectively punish all men for the actions of one individual.

She added that dog culling continues due to a lack of proper legislation and limited advocacy for animal rights.

Despite her criticism of authorities, Zhalay praised private shelters and welfare organisations working for animal welfare, saying that rescuing animals has increasingly become the responsibility of citizens and independent groups rather than the state.

Earlier this week, actor Nadia Jamil appealed to residents in Lahore to visit Town Hall after dogs were allegedly kept in vans without food or water, urging authorities to intervene and introduce stronger protections against animal cruelty.

She also shared videos encouraging citizens to document and report incidents of animal abuse.

Referring to the Town Hall controversy, the actor said residents who approached officials were allegedly told the actions were being carried out under “orders from above”.

She added that people appear to have forgotten they are ultimately accountable to a higher power.

Earlier this year, Ushna Shah had also written an open letter to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, urging immediate action against animal cruelty in the province.

In a post shared on Instagram, the actor acknowledged what she described as positive developments under the chief minister's leadership, particularly in areas such as women's safety, cleanliness and public order. However, she expressed concern over what she called a "silence" on the issue of animal abuse.