Dog Culling: IHC puts CDA, IMC on notice over stray dog killing | The Express Tribune
Key Takeaways
- The Islamabad High Court issued a notice to the CDA and IMC regarding petitions against the culling of stray dogs.
- The court warned officials that FIRs would be lodged against them if they are found involved in killing stray dogs.
- Eyewitnesses testified to seeing a vehicle transporting around 200 dead dogs near the CDA office on October 9.
- The court accepted a plea to enforce the 2020 stray dog control policy, which emphasizes vaccination and sterilization over culling.
- Petitioners argue that the authorities continue to capture and shoot dogs despite clear directives and the existence of the humane policy.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has taken notice of petitions challenging the culling of stray dogs by local bodies in Pakistan, putting the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) on notice. The court explicitly warned officials that they would face First Information Reports (FIRs) if they were found engaging in the practice of killing strays. This action followed testimony from an eyewitness who claimed to have seen a vehicle carrying approximately 200 dead dogs near the CDA office on October 9, a statement which was officially recorded. The court also allowed another petitioner to join the case, specifically seeking the implementation of the stray dog population control policy established in 2020, which mandates humane methods like vaccination and sterilization over lethal culling. The petitioners' counsel argued that the recent actions constitute a clear violation of this established policy, which was framed based on human rights principles and scientific research, noting that Islam also discourages killing animals without cause. The IHC has directed both the CDA and IMC to provide detailed written responses regarding the October 9 incident and has adjourned the case.
