The Lahore High Court has sought detailed replies from the Punjab government after a petition was filed challenging the killing of stray dogs through shooting and poisoning. In response to the plea, the court issued notices to the Secretary of Livestock, the Secretary of Local Government, and other relevant authorities, instructing them to submit their explanations on the issue.
The petitioner argued that campaigns carried out in the name of controlling the population of stray dogs have created serious risks for the general public. According to the petition, the use of firearms and toxic substances in residential and densely populated areas endangers human lives and could lead to tragic accidents. It emphasized that such methods are not only unsafe but also irresponsible when conducted near homes, streets, and public spaces.
The plea further stated that firing weapons and spreading poisonous material in urban neighborhoods poses a direct threat to citizens, including children and elderly residents. The petitioner maintained that these practices increase the likelihood of unintended harm, panic, and fatalities, making them unsuitable for areas where people live and move freely.
Highlighting public safety concerns, the petition contended that the killing of stray dogs through such means violates basic safety standards and should not be allowed in cities. It stressed that while managing the stray dog population is important, it must be done in a manner that does not compromise human safety or create fear among residents.
The petitioner requested the court to immediately stop all operations involving the shooting and poisoning of stray dogs. Instead, the plea urged authorities to implement humane and internationally accepted methods, including vaccination and neutering programs, to control the stray dog population effectively.
in another news, read more about Animal Activists Protest in Islamabad to Protect Stray Dogs
Such approaches, the petition argued, would not only ensure public safety but also promote animal welfare. The court’s intervention is seen as a significant step toward encouraging safer, more humane solutions for managing stray dogs while protecting citizens from avoidable risks.
