Under what law practice of shooting stray dogs going on, questions LHC

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday questioned the legitimacy of the existing practice of shooting stray dogs dead and directed the Punjab government to ensure its policy to neuter and vaccinate the stray dogs converted into a law within three weeks.

Justice Ayesha A Malik, who headed a two-judge bench, observed that the government formed the policy one year ago but failed to make legislation on it. The bench was hearing a public interest petition challenging the killing of the stray dogs being a cruel act. A law officer told the bench that a policy had been formed for the protection of stray dogs, other animals and birds. He said the policy was pending with the office of the chief minister for its approval. He said the policy would become a law after a formal approval by the governor. Justice Malik asked the law officer under what law the policy of killing the stray dogs with firearm was in vogue. “Who would be responsible if the bullet hits a human?” she further asked the law officer. The judge also sought a report from the government on the facilities available at shops of pet animals and birds in Tollinton market, Jail Road. In the previous hearing the government had presented its policy for the rehabilitation of stray dogs, their birth control, training and sale for security and screening purposes which will soon be presented before the Punjab cabinet for a formal approval. The policy envisages measures to neuter and vaccinate stray dogs with a joint working by the livestock, local bodies and other departments concerned. It says the stray dogs could be sold for security and screening purposes after providing training.