IHC Bans Killing Stray Dogs in Islamabad — Landmark Ruling

Islamabad – (Web Desk) – The Islamabad High Court has made history. In a bold and much-needed move, the IHC ban on killing stray dogs in Islamabad now stands as a permanent order. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued a detailed 24-page judgment on Friday, changing how the federal capital will deal with its stray dog population forever.

Instead of shooting or poisoning dogs, the court has directed authorities to follow the “trap, sterilize, vaccinate, and release” method. This approach is widely used across the world and is considered both humane and effective. The court ordered the Wildlife Department, the Capital Development Authority (CDA), and all other concerned parties to follow this policy without any delay.

The ruling also puts extra protections in place for certain dogs. Authorities are now banned from catching dogs that are leashed, healthy, or already vaccinated. This means pet owners and community caretakers no longer have to fear their dogs being taken away without reason.

Only a qualified veterinarian can now decide if a dog is too sick or suffering beyond treatment. In such rare cases, the vet may approve euthanasia through a proper medical process. No random killing is allowed under any circumstance.

The court has also ordered the creation of a proper database. This will record all dog bite cases and vaccination details across the city. Alongside this, a formal registry will be set up to document cases of cruelty to animals, making it easier to track and punish offenders.

The stray dog population control center in Tarlai has been specifically instructed to make all its records and standard operating procedures fully transparent and open to review.

This verdict is a turning point for animal welfare in Pakistan. It shows that courts are now ready to hold authorities accountable and push for compassion over cruelty.