Brutal dog culling methods trigger backlash in Lahore

LAHORE: A fresh campaign by the Municipal Corporation Lahore (MCL) against stray dogs has triggered criticism from animal rights groups, which allege that dogs are being killed through poisonous injections and other inhumane methods in several parts of the city, while some protesters have also faced legal action.

In recent days, operations targeting stray dogs were carried out in Sultan Colony, Township, Shadbagh, Green Town and other areas. District administration and MCL officials said the action was launched after complaints from residents and incidents involving dog attacks.

Officials said a large-scale operation was initiated after a child was killed in Sultan Colony a few days ago. They added that several stray dogs had been captured during the campaign and said the purpose of the operation was to protect citizens and safeguard lives and property.

Animal welfare organisations and activists, however, described the campaign as illegal and inhumane. They said the Punjab Animal Birth Control Policy 2021, along with court directions, requires stray dogs to be sterilised and vaccinated rather than killed.

Animal rights activist Fasiha Khan, in an Instagram post, alleged that stray dogs were being poisoned in Lahore and called for the campaign to be stopped immediately.

Critters Ark Welfare Organisation Pakistan also said on May 6 that animal rights activists protesting outside Lahore Town Hall had been taken into custody.

Animal welfare activist Syed Ali Haider alleged that MCL staff had placed dozens of dogs, including puppies, inside a van and planned to kill them. He said he had asked the administration to hand the animals over to shelters instead of killing them. He further alleged that after the protest, a case was registered against him at Islampura Police Station for interfering in official duties.

Haider also claimed he was told the case could be withdrawn if he submitted an affidavit stating that he would not protest over the stray dog issue in the future.

A social media post circulated on May 10 also alleged that nearly 100 stray dogs were killed in and around Sultan Colony.

Policy and court proceedings

The issue has also come up before the Lahore High Court. Hearings on the implementation of the Punjab Animal Birth Control Policy 2021 were held last month.

On April 14, government departments assured the court that steps in line with the policy would be adopted to control the stray dog population and that large-scale killings would be avoided.

MCL officials rejected the allegations made by animal rights activists and said the operations were being carried out in accordance with the law and public safety requirements. According to the officials, immediate action is sometimes necessary in cases involving dangerous or diseased dogs, while public safety remains the foremost concern.

Experts and animal welfare organisations said a lasting response to the stray dog issue would require large-scale sterilisation, vaccination, better waste management and registration of pet animals. They said culling drives offer only temporary relief and often do not address the underlying causes of the problem.