ISLAMABAD: Animal rights activists have accused the Capital Development Authority (CDA) of illegally killing stray dogs in Islamabad, hours after it assured the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that it would implement a humane population control strategy under the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) framework.
In a hearing earlier this week, the IHC directed the CDA to strictly follow the Islamabad Capital Territory Dog Population Control Policy, developed under the IWMB vs MCI (2020) judgement.
The policy mandates non-lethal measures such as sterilisation, vaccination, and release of dogs back to their territories, in line with global animal welfare standards.
However, videos released by animal welfare groups on Friday allegedly showed CDA workers transporting a van filled with dead dogs from a government facility in Taramri.
Activists said the killing took place hours after the civic body’s court commitment to follow humane procedures.
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“This is a blatant violation of court orders and a betrayal of public trust,” an animal rights organisation said in a statement.
“CDA officials publicly claimed the animals were being treated under TNVR, but they were found dead the same evening. We demand immediate judicial intervention and accountability.”
CDA Denies Allegations, Says Dogs Handled Under TNVR
The CDA, meanwhile, claimed that its operations are conducted according to the TNVR policy.
According to official figures, more than 550 stray dogs were captured between July and September from sectors G-14, D-12, F-6, F-7, I-9, I-10, G-10, F-11, Saidpur, Margalla Town, Bhara Kahu, and the Red Zone.
Officials said the captured animals were sent to the CDA’s Stray Dog Centre in Taramri for treatment, sterilisation, and vaccination before being relocated to safe areas.
“The campaign aims to protect citizens while managing stray animals in a humane manner,” CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa said, adding that a 24/7 helpline (1334) and an online complaint portal were operational for the public.
Court-Issued Warning on Humane Policy
The Islamabad High Court had earlier reminded the CDA and Islamabad administration that killing stray dogs violated both Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) regulations and the Animal Welfare Act 2023, which criminalises cruelty to animals.
The court had ordered authorities to ensure humane treatment and transparency in population control measures, noting that international best practices demanded compassion-based management rather than extermination.
Activists Demand Inquiry
Animal rights groups have urged the court to take suo motu notice of the incident and hold responsible officials accountable.
“We will not allow this brutality to continue under the guise of population control,” said a spokesperson for one of the petitioners. “Islamabad deserves a modern, science-based policy — not medieval cruelty.”