The High Court of Lahore (LHC) has published a detailed verdict allowing the slaughter of stray dogs, ordering that incurable dogs are euthanized in a human and comfortable manner.
Judge Javed Hassan announced the six -page decision, specifying that slaughter should follow the directives established by Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
This decision follows a petition tabled by citizen Anila Umair and other petitioners, who sought to stop the current operation against Rawalpindi’s stray dogs.
The petitioners had previously asked that the murder of stray dogs be interrupted, but their concerns were not discussed.
In its decision, the court noted that the competent authorities informed the Court that the operation had been launched due to complaints of citizens concerning stray dogs. Rawalpindi veterinary officer explained that many complaints had been received concerning stray dogs billed people, which led to the start of the operation. In addition, the officer said that stray dogs caused health, religious and other serious problems, as well as the creation of important distress for the public.
The petitioner lawyer suggested that alternative methods, such as providing food to dogs, could be implemented to resolve the question of dog bites, arguing that dogs attacked people because of hunger.
However, the Verdict of the Court stressed that the government and the other parties concerned were to comply with policies concerning animal rights, public well-being and security. He also indicated that the slaughter be carried out in accordance with the PMDC guidelines and that euthanasia is carried out with humanity to avoid unnecessary suffering for animals.