The Lahore High Court has agreed to hear a petition challenging the use of firearms and poisonous substances to kill stray dogs across Punjab. The petition was filed by Advocate Izzat Fatima, prompting the court to issue notices to the Punjab government, as well as the Secretaries of Livestock and Local Government.
During the hearing, the petitioner argued that ongoing dog-killing operations pose serious risks to public safety. She referred to a recent incident in Khanewal where a young girl was injured by a stray bullet during such an operation, highlighting the dangers of using firearms in populated areas.
The petition further stressed that the use of toxic chemicals and shooting in residential neighborhoods threatens human life and public health. It also pointed out that the Punjab government has failed to fully implement the Animal Birth Control Policy 2021, which promotes humane and effective measures such as vaccination and neutering to manage the stray dog population.
The petitioner urged the court to direct authorities to strictly enforce the existing policy and immediately stop the inhumane and hazardous practices of shooting and poisoning stray dogs.
