IHC permanently bans poisoning, shooting of stray dogs in Islamabad

Court orders authorities to adopt sterilisation, vaccination measures; rules stray dogs cannot be subjected to cruelty

ISLAMABAD:

 

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday issued a landmark ruling on petitions seeking humane management of the stray dog population in the federal capital, permanently banning the poisoning, shooting, and unnecessary killing of stray dogs in Islamabad.

Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued the detailed 24-page verdict, directing authorities to adopt the scientific “trap, sterilise, vaccinate, and release” method for controlling the stray dog population.

The court ordered the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, the Capital Development Authority (CDA), and other relevant departments to strictly implement the stray dog population control policy framed in 2020, which prioritises vaccination and sterilisation instead of culling.

The petitions were filed by Islamabad residents after images surfaced in October last year showing dead dogs inside a CDA vehicle.

During the proceedings, eyewitness Dr Ghani Ikram testified that he had personally seen dog carcasses in a CDA truck. Another eyewitness, Naveeda Asim, informed the court that she had seen a vehicle carrying at least 200 dead dogs near the CDA office on October 9.

The court had also accepted a petition filed by Neelofar, who sought implementation of the 2020 stray dog control policy. Both women confirmed witnessing the transportation of dead dogs on the same date.

According to the judgement, the chief commissioner has constituted a seven-member professional committee to oversee stray dog management in Islamabad.

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The court further barred authorities from capturing lactating, collared, healthy, or vaccinated dogs. It ruled that only a designated veterinary doctor may certify a dog as rabid or terminally ill and authorise euthanasia through a medical procedure.

The verdict also directed authorities to establish a database for dog-bite incidents and vaccinations, as well as a registry documenting cases of animal cruelty. It ordered transparency in the records and standard operating procedures of the stray dog population control centre in Tarlai.

The court observed that Pakistan lacks a uniform national framework for managing stray animals and noted that provincial systems remain fragmented. It further remarked that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1890, had become outdated and required reforms along with stricter penalties.

Expressing concern over photographs allegedly showing dead dogs inside a CDA vehicle, the court stated that authorities had failed to provide any lawful or reasonable justification for the killings when questioned during proceedings.

The judgement noted that stray and wild dogs are living and sentient beings that cannot be subjected to cruelty. It further held that the constitutional right to life also includes environmental balance and biodiversity protection.

The court also stated that Islamic teachings, the Quran, and Sunnah strictly prohibit cruelty towards animals and emphasise compassion for all living beings.

During the hearing, the court was informed that approximately Rs19,000 is spent per dog on sterilisation and vaccination. The verdict also reviewed stray dog management laws and practices in countries including Malaysia, Turkey, Indonesia, and India.