By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – Concerns are mounting over the handling of stray dogs in parts of Lahore after visuals reviewed by this publication, along with eyewitness accounts, raised questions about current practices, prompting calls for humane population control measures.
Pakistan People for Animal Rights Advocacy Group (PPARAG) chairperson Ayeza Haider and other welfare groups said they have long advocated animal rights and support the World Health Organisation-recommended TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release) policy.
LAHORE: Some of the graphic images reviewed appear to show animal remains at a site; the exact circumstances could not be independently confirmed.
According to activists and supporting material reviewed, countries including Bangladesh adopt TNVR to control stray dog populations through sterilisation and vaccination rather than culling. Similar approaches are followed in the United Kingdom and Turkey, where structured shelter and sterilisation systems are in place.
Activists said that some local practices in Punjab rely on short-term measures that do not provide a sustainable solution. They further pointed to visuals and accounts suggesting that certain teams operate without visible identification while capturing stray dogs.
Residents also reported difficulties while attempting to recover pets. One citizen, speaking on condition of anonymity, said her vaccinated dog was taken and not returned despite repeated requests. She also described facing obstacles while trying to provide food and water, along with police involvement during follow-up efforts.
Separately, Afia Khan, Chairperson of Give Us Life, raised concerns over the disposal of animal remains in open areas, which she said has caused distress among nearby residents due to foul odours.
Visual material reviewed by this publication appears to show stray dogs at dumping sites and related items found in the area. However, the full circumstances surrounding these visuals could not be independently confirmed.
Activists maintained that repeated culling campaigns fail to control the stray dog population effectively and urged authorities to implement humane, internationally recognised solutions.
No official statement from the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) was available at the time of filing this report. However, officials have previously stated that such operations are conducted to ensure public safety and respond to complaints related to stray dog attacks.
