The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has permanently banned the poisoning, shooting, and indiscriminate killing of Stray Dogs in the federal capital. The court directed authorities to adopt humane methods for controlling the dog population in Islamabad.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued the detailed 24-page judgment while hearing two constitutional petitions filed by Islamabad resident Niloofar and others. The petitions challenged the alleged failure to properly implement the Stray Dog Population Control Policy in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
The court ordered the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), Capital Development Authority (CDA), ICT administration, and other departments to immediately implement a “catch, neuter, vaccinate and release” programme for Stray Dogs.
According to the judgment, authorities are no longer allowed to carry out arbitrary or inhumane actions against community dogs. The court stressed that all future measures must follow legal and humane standards.
During the proceedings, photographs showing dead dogs inside a CDA vehicle were presented before the court. The judgment noted that officials failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the incident.
Justice Soomro observed that such actions raised serious concerns about administrative conduct and violation of the rule of law.
The court also referred to Islamic teachings from the Holy Quran and Sunnah. It stated that mass killing of animals without lawful reasons cannot be justified under Islamic principles or international animal welfare standards.
The judgment clarified that euthanasia can only be used in exceptional cases. These include dogs suffering from severe injuries, critical illness, or rabies. The process must also be carried out only by qualified veterinarians.
Authorities have been directed to maintain proper records of all Stray Dogs captured, treated, sterilised, vaccinated, released, or euthanised. The court also ordered officials to create standard operating procedures for transportation, sheltering, and treatment of animals.
The ruling further prohibited the removal of healthy, vaccinated, collared, or lactating dogs from their local areas without proper legal reasons and official documentation.
The court also instructed the government to establish an advisory committee. The committee will include veterinarians, animal welfare groups, zoonotic disease experts, and civil society representatives.
In addition, the judgment ordered authorities to create a dog bite database and an animal abuse registry. Officials were also directed to improve waste management systems in residential and commercial areas to reduce food sources attracting stray animals.
The IHC observed that Pakistan currently lacks modern and uniform laws regarding stray animal management. It also noted that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1890 is outdated and needs reform.
In other news read more about: 250,000 Pakistanis Moved Abroad for Jobs in First Four Months of 2026
Authorities have been given 60 days to submit a compliance report to the court regarding implementation of the orders.
