Punjab to enforce stray dog control policy

The Lahore High Court was informed on Monday that the city district government and its departments would implement the Punjab Animal Birth Control Policy 2021 in letter and spirit.

Justice Hassan Nawaz Makhdoom heard a petition filed by PPP Lahore leaders Majeed Ghouri and Waheed Lodhi. During the proceedings, representatives of the deputy commissioner’s office, the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) and other departments submitted undertakings before the court, assuring compliance with the policy and stating that they would not deviate from its provisions.

Appearing for the petitioners, Barrister Maqsooma Zahra Bokhari argued that the authorities could not be fully relied upon, stating that dog-culling operations had continued despite earlier assurances given in court.

After recording the statements from the relevant departments, the court disposed of the petition. It also observed that the petitioners would be at liberty to initiate contempt proceedings if any violation of the policy was reported in future.

The petition had been moved following the death of a minor girl in a dog attack in Lahore’s Township area. The petitioners contended that effective and practical measures were required to prevent further incidents and protect human life.

They further argued that despite multiple judicial directions, compliance with the policy had remained inconsistent, alleging that culling practices had worsened the situation by making stray dogs more aggressive and territorial.

The court noted that in case of any future breach of the policy, contempt proceedings could be initiated against the responsible authorities, effectively keeping enforcement under judicial oversight.