Islamabad, Pakistan — October 16, 2025:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) over reports of stray dog killings in the federal capital, raising serious concerns about animal rights and ethical treatment practices.
The court’s action came after multiple complaints and social media campaigns accused civic authorities of inhumane methods used to control the city’s stray dog population.
Public Outcry Over Cruelty Allegations
Animal rights activists and citizens have been increasingly vocal, sharing videos and reports that allegedly show dogs being poisoned and killed in several sectors of Islamabad. The disturbing visuals sparked nationwide outrage, prompting legal action and renewed calls for humane animal control policies.
During the hearing, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani took notice of the allegations and demanded detailed reports from both CDA and IMC regarding their current animal control operations, funding allocations, and adherence to animal welfare standards.
Court Demands Accountability and Transparency
The IHC directed both departments to submit comprehensive reports within two weeks, explaining their methods for managing stray animals and whether any standard operating procedures (SOPs) were in place to ensure humane treatment.
Justice Kayani stated:
“The Constitution protects all forms of life. Killing stray dogs without lawful justification is not just unethical—it is a violation of fundamental rights.”
The court further emphasized that civic bodies must explore humane alternatives, such as vaccination, sterilization, and adoption programs, in line with global animal welfare practices.
Activists Call for Sustainable Solutions
Local NGOs and animal welfare organizations, including PAWS Pakistan and Todd’s Welfare Society, have urged authorities to adopt long-term strategies instead of periodic culling drives.
Animal rights campaigner Sarah Ahmad said:
“Killing stray dogs is a short-term fix that fails to address the root cause. Islamabad needs sustainable policies—vaccination, spay-neuter programs, and public awareness campaigns—to manage its stray population ethically.”
Government’s Response
Officials from CDA and IMC have denied allegations of deliberate cruelty, stating that the operations were carried out to “ensure public safety” amid rising dog bite incidents. They also assured the court of full cooperation and pledged to review existing methods for population control.
However, legal experts argue that public safety and animal rights must coexist, and policies should align with international standards on humane population management.
What Happens Next
The court will reconvene after receiving the official reports. Depending on the findings, IHC may issue new guidelines or legal restrictions on how civic authorities handle stray animals in Islamabad.
This case could set a precedent for animal rights enforcement in Pakistan, where laws on animal cruelty and welfare are still in early stages of reform.
FAQs:
1. Why did the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issue a notice to CDA and IMC?
The IHC issued notices after receiving complaints and media reports alleging that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) were involved in inhumane killing of stray dogs. The court intervened to ensure that animal control measures comply with ethical and legal standards.
2. What did the IHC demand from CDA and IMC?
The court directed both civic bodies to submit detailed reports within two weeks, explaining their current stray dog management methods, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and measures to ensure humane treatment of animals.
3. What methods are currently used to control stray dogs in Islamabad?
Reports suggest that the civic authorities have relied on culling and poisoning, which sparked public outrage. Animal rights groups are urging the government to replace these practices with humane approaches like vaccination, sterilization, and adoption drives.
4. What alternatives did the court suggest for stray dog management?
The IHC recommended that CDA and IMC explore non-lethal and sustainable solutions, including vaccination, sterilization, and public education programs, aligning with international animal welfare standards.
5. How did animal rights organizations react to the issue?
Groups such as PAWS Pakistan and Todd’s Welfare Society strongly condemned the killings, calling them cruel and unnecessary. They emphasized the need for a long-term strategy focused on animal welfare and community awareness.
6. How did CDA and IMC respond to the allegations?
Both departments denied deliberate cruelty, stating that actions were taken to protect public safety from increasing dog bite cases. They have, however, agreed to review and revise their current animal control policies in compliance with court directives.
7. What are Pakistan’s laws on animal cruelty and welfare?
Pakistan’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1890) provides basic legal protection for animals, but enforcement remains weak. Recent court actions and NGO campaigns aim to strengthen animal rights legislation and ensure humane treatment of all animals.
8. What happens next in the case?
The IHC will review the official reports from CDA and IMC in its next hearing. Depending on the findings, the court may issue new legal guidelines or even ban inhumane population control methods altogether.
9. Could this case impact animal welfare laws in Pakistan?
Yes. Legal experts believe this case could become a landmark decision that strengthens animal rights and sets a national precedent for humane stray animal management in Pakistan.
10. How can citizens help reduce stray dog issues humanely?
Residents can support vaccination drives, adoption programs, and awareness campaigns. Feeding and reporting stray dogs responsibly also help authorities manage populations ethically and effectively.
