Lahore High Court Issues Detailed Verdict on Stray Dog Killings
Lahore, February 18 – The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a detailed six-page verdict regarding the killing of stray dogs, emphasizing humane euthanasia methods. Justice Jawad Hassan, who presided over the case, ruled that incurable and dangerously ill stray dogs should be euthanized more humanely, following proper medical guidelines.
The court ordered authorities to adhere strictly to the standards set by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) when carrying out euthanasia procedures. This directive aims to ensure that the process is conducted without unnecessary cruelty.
The verdict comes amid increasing concerns regarding stray dog populations and public safety. While animal welfare groups have been advocating for sterilization and vaccination campaigns instead of culling, the court’s ruling provides a legal framework for handling incurable cases.
Justice Hassan’s decision highlights the need for local authorities to implement systematic and ethical practices in dealing with stray animals. The court also urged relevant departments to explore alternative measures, such as setting up shelters and increasing vaccination efforts, to manage the stray dog population effectively.
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions, with animal rights activists calling for more compassionate solutions, while others argue that strict action is necessary to protect public safety.
Authorities are now expected to devise an implementation plan in line with the court’s instructions to ensure compliance with humane euthanasia protocols.