The Lahore High Court has officially outlawed the widespread killing of stray dogs in Punjab, calling for the full enforcement of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Policy 2021. This landmark ruling marks a significant step forward for animal welfare in Pakistan.
The judgment came in response to a petition filed by Eiraj Hassan and others, with the case led by prominent animal rights lawyer Altamush Saeed and his legal team. Representing Environmental and Animal Rights Consultants Pakistan, the country’s first dedicated animal and environmental law firm, the team has been fighting this legal battle for eight years.
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The court’s order emphasized that all departments across Punjab must strictly follow the humane population control policy, replacing inhumane methods with mass vaccination and sterilization of stray dogs. Earlier, an interim stay issued on 25 March 2025 had already halted dog culling, supported by follow-up directives from the provincial government.
This ruling not only aims to protect animals but also to reduce rabies and dog bite cases in a sustainable manner. It represents a shift in both legal standards and public awareness surrounding animal rights.
Animal welfare advocates hailed the verdict as a moral and legal milestone, crediting Eiraj Hassan’s consistent advocacy for helping bring about this change.