Animal rights organizations have accused the Punjab government of resuming the killing of stray dogs in the province, allegedly in violation of a court order. The groups claim that authorities have been using inhumane methods to cull the canine population, despite a Lahore High Court directive to adopt non-lethal measures.
Court Order Violation Alleged
In a joint statement, several animal welfare groups said that the Punjab government's Livestock and Dairy Development Department has resumed the shooting and poisoning of stray dogs. This, they argue, directly contradicts a 2021 Lahore High Court order that mandated the use of catch-neuter-vaccinate-release (CNVR) programs instead of killing.
The groups noted that the court had explicitly prohibited the killing of stray dogs and had directed authorities to implement humane population control methods. They expressed dismay that the government appears to be ignoring the judiciary's instructions.
Inhumane Methods Condemned
The activists condemned the methods allegedly being used, including shooting and poisoning, calling them cruel and ineffective. They argued that such measures do not address the root cause of the stray dog issue and only lead to more suffering.
According to the statement, the killing spree has been reported in various districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan. The groups have urged the chief minister and the inspector general of police to intervene and stop the killings immediately.
Call for CNVR Implementation
The animal rights organizations reiterated their demand for the full implementation of the CNVR program, which they say is a proven, humane, and sustainable solution to manage the stray dog population. They pointed out that many cities in Pakistan, such as Islamabad, have successfully implemented CNVR with positive results.
They also called for a public awareness campaign to educate citizens about responsible pet ownership and the importance of coexisting with stray animals.
The controversy has reignited the debate over stray dog management in Pakistan, where thousands of dogs are killed annually, often sparking outrage from animal lovers and rights groups. The issue is further complicated by the risk of rabies, which leads to demands for culling from some segments of society.
Animal rights groups argue that killing is not a long-term solution and that CNVR, combined with education, is more effective in reducing both the stray dog population and the risk of rabies.
