Civil Society Rallies for Humane Stray Dog Population Control in Islamabad

A large group of animal welfare activists, civil society members, and concerned citizens gathered at the National Press Club in Islamabad on Saturday for a peaceful protest and press conference. The event aimed to push for humane, science-based solutions to manage the city’s stray dog population and prevent rabies outbreaks through non-violent methods.

The protesters voiced strong support for the Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return (TNVR) method — a globally recognized and scientifically proven approach to controlling stray dog populations. Under TNVR, stray dogs are humanely captured, vaccinated against rabies, neutered to prevent breeding, and then returned to the same area. This method not only curbs the spread of rabies but also ensures long-term population decline while maintaining public safety.

The press release said:

Removing dogs from their territories is not the answer. It only creates a vacuum that draws in new, unvaccinated dogs. TNVR breaks this cycle and protects both humans and animals.

The protestors also raised serious concerns about the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) Stray Dog Population Control Center, which was established in 2022 under the ICT Stray Dog Population Control Policy 2020. The center, they said, has failed to deliver on its promises and now serves as a site of suffering for animals and a potential breeding ground for zoonotic diseases.

Citing the policy’s roots in the game-changing Kaavan judgment delivered by Justice Athar Minallah, activists stressed that the spirit of the law has not been upheld.

This is not just about animal rights — it’s about public health. A poorly run shelter endangers not only the animals but also the human population, especially with the risk of disease outbreaks.

Civil society is now calling on the government to collaborate with a consortium of credible animal welfare organizations to manage the shelter professionally and ethically.

The movement will continue with a court hearing scheduled for 25 June at the Islamabad High Court before Honorable Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro. Organizers have urged the public to attend and show support for humane and effective solutions to the stray dog issue.