The Islamabad High Court has issued a landmark ruling permanently banning the killing, poisoning, or shooting of stray dogs in the federal capital. The court declared that inhumane methods of controlling stray animals are unlawful and directed authorities to adopt humane and scientifically approved practices instead.
According to the judgement, only a qualified veterinary doctor will have the authority to determine whether a dog is suffering from rabies or a terminal illness. In such cases, euthanasia may only be carried out through medically approved and humane procedures under professional supervision.
The court instructed all relevant departments and municipal authorities to implement the internationally recognised “trap, sterilise, and vaccinate” policy for managing the stray dog population. This method focuses on capturing stray dogs safely, vaccinating them against diseases, sterilising them to control population growth, and then releasing them back into their designated areas without causing harm.
During the proceedings, the court also examined global animal welfare practices and emphasised the importance of adopting modern, scientific, and cruelty-free strategies for animal population control. Authorities were further directed to ensure strict implementation of these policies to protect both public health and animal welfare in the capital.
