Court bans poisoning, shooting of stray dogs in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has imposed a ban on the poisoning, shooting and unlawful culling of stray dogs in the federal capital, directing authorities to adopt a scientific and humane population control method. In a detailed 24-page judgement issued on Friday, the IHC ordered relevant bodies, including the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and the Capital Development Authority (CDA), to adopt a trap, neuter, vaccinate and release (TNVR) programme. The court also restricted the capture of healthy, vaccinated, collar-tagged or lactating dogs, and said only a qualified veterinary doctor could certify a dog as rabid or incurably ill before any humane euthanasia. It directed the authorities concerned to establish a database of dog bite incidents and vaccination records, and to maintain a registry of animal cruelty cases. The court also called for improved transparency and standard operating procedures at the stray dog population control centre in Tarlai. The judgment noted the absence of a comprehensive national framework for animal control and said existing laws, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1890, were outdated and required reform. During proceedings, the verdict said, concerns were raised over alleged images of dead dogs found in official vehicles, while authorities failed to justify culling practices on legal grounds. The court also emphasised animal welfare considerations, stating that cruelty against animals is prohibited and that environmental and biological balance forms part of the constitutional right to life. It further cited Islamic principles encouraging compassion toward animals. The court issued the verdict on petitioners filed by Islamabad residents Activist Reham Khan also appeared during the hearings. The post Court bans poisoning, shooting of stray dogs in Islamabad appeared first on HUM News English.