Latest news with #JusticeKarim
Express Tribune
30-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
LHC directs humane euthanasia of stray dogs
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed authorities across Punjab to euthanise only incurably ill or mortally wounded stray dogsand to do so strictly in accordance with medically approved and humane protocols. Justice Shahid Karim issued the order while hearing petitions filed by Eiraj Hassan and others, seeking proper enforcement of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Policy 2021 and protection of stray dogs against inhumane culling practices. The court emphasised that the policy must be implemented "in letter and spirit" by all concerned departments, including the Local Government and Community Development (LG&CD) Department and its affiliated officers throughout Punjab. The 2021 policy explicitly outlines that only dogs diagnosed as incurably ill or mortally wounded by a qualified veterinarian appointed by a Tehsil Implementation Committee (TIC) can be euthanised. It further mandates that euthanasia must be carried out humanely - by administering sodium pentothal for adult dogs or Thiopental Intraperitoneal for puppies. Crucially, the policy prohibits euthanising a dog in the presence of another dog. The policy also prescribes guidelines for the care and management of healthy stray dogs. Sterilised dogs must be vaccinated before being released, and marked for identification through ear clipping, tattoos, nylon collars, or tokens. The branding of dogs is expressly forbidden. Detailed records of all sterilised and vaccinated dogs must be maintained. Petitioners' counsel, Altamush Saeed, urged the court to recognise that dogs are sentient beings capable of emotions and therefore must not be subjected to cruelty or brutal killings. He argued that the most effective approach to controlling the stray dog population and eradicating rabies lies in mass vaccination and sterilization through established TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return) protocols, supervised by qualified veterinarians. Saeed further highlighted that even rabid dogs should not be indiscriminately culled and stressed the need for sterilizing and relocating healthy dogs rather than killing them. He also called for public awareness campaigns, staff training in animal welfare, and the introduction of animal welfare education in schools in line with Articles 9, 9A, and 25A of the Constitution, which relate to the right to life, security, and education. The court was informed that various government departments had already issued directives to implement the policy and compliance had begun across multiple local government offices. Justice Karim acknowledged the progress made, noting that the LG&CD appeared fully aware of its legal obligations and was taking steps accordingly. "Since the respondents are complying with the policy, as is also evident from the replies filed in this case, the petition is disposed of with the direction that the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Policy 2021 shall continue to be implemented and followed by all concerned departments," Justice Karim stated in his concluding remarks. The court's order marks a significant shift in the state's approach to stray dog managementfocusing on humane treatment, scientific methods, and legal responsibility rather than reactive culling, often carried out under public pressure or panic. Animal rights advocates have welcomed the judgment, calling it a progressive step toward ethical and effective animal population control and public health safety.
Express Tribune
19-02-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Govt plans 400 floating wetland ponds for water conservation
The Punjab government has proposed the development of 400 floating wetland ponds across the province, a project that has already been approved by the Provincial External Financing Assessment Committee in the Planning and Development (P&D) Department. The Lahore High Court was briefed on various initiatives aimed at environmental conservation, including traffic management during the Champions Trophy, water conservation projects, solid waste disposal efforts, and an extensive plantation drive. Justice Karim acknowledged these steps as commendable and directed the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) to submit periodic reports to the commission, emphasising that the company's work on water conservation would have lasting impacts on future generations. A comprehensive report on water conservation, submitted by the Managing Director of PMDFC, highlighted ongoing projects, including the installation of wastewater treatment plants and the construction of storage tanks at the end of rainwater drainage pipes. The report also outlined proposals for the sustainable disposal of solid waste and the utilisation of gases produced from waste processing. Additionally, the Lahore Development Authority's (LDA) counsel informed the court that regulations mandating grey water treatment plants in commercial buildings have been approved.
