Islamabad High Court has permanently prohibited the poisoning, shooting, and unnecessary killing of stray dogs in the federal capital through a detailed court ruling.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued the 24-page judgment while hearing two constitutional petitions filed by Islamabad resident Niloofar and several others. The petitions challenged the alleged failure of authorities to properly implement the Stray Dog Population Control Policy in the Islamabad Capital Territory.
In its ruling, the court instructed the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad, Capital Development Authority, ICT administration, and other departments to fully implement the “catch, neuter, vaccinate, and release” policy for controlling the stray dog population in a humane manner. The court also directed authorities to avoid any cruel, random, or unlawful actions against stray dogs in the city.
During court proceedings, photographs were presented showing dead stray dogs inside a CDA vehicle. According to the judgment, the concerned authorities failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the images. Justice Soomro observed that such actions raised serious concerns about violations of legal responsibilities and humane treatment standards.
The judgment further stated that mass killing of animals without proper legal justification goes against Islamic teachings as well as international animal welfare principles. The court noted that Islam encourages kindness and humane treatment toward animals.
According to the ruling, euthanasia may only be allowed in limited situations involving severely injured, critically ill, or rabid animals. The process must also be carried out only by trained veterinary professionals. The Islamabad High Court additionally instructed all concerned departments to maintain detailed records of stray dogs that are captured, vaccinated, sterilized, released, treated, or euthanized.
Authorities have also been ordered to develop proper standard operating procedures for handling stray dogs, including their capture, transport, shelter, medical treatment, and safe release in designated areas.
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