KP chief minister seeks to change ‘inhumane’ stray dog culling policy

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, has taken notice of the ‘inhumane’ killing of stray dogs in the province.

In response, he has issued directives to overhaul the current policy of culling stray dogs.

In a directive from the KP Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the municipal administration and livestock departments have been tasked with formulating an alternative policy.

The directive emphasized that the existing practice of killing stray dogs is not only inhumane but also ineffective in managing the stray dog population.

The municipal administration and livestock departments have been urged to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop a comprehensive alternative policy.

The new approach should be centered around the principles of Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR), the letter said.

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Furthermore, the directive emphasized the immediate implementation of the new policy. The letter sought daily reports on the policy’s implementation, ensuring accountability and progress tracking.

Historically, the management of the stray dog population in Pakistan has predominantly involved mass culling, involving methods such as shooting or poisoning. However, this approach has faced widespread criticism for its cruelty and inefficacy in controlling the population and preventing diseases like rabies.

Despite the existence of the Pakistan Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1890, which prohibits the killing of stray animals, local administrations have continued this practice for decades.

The province of Sindh, particularly Karachi, has witnessed a concerning rise in dog bite cases and rabies, underscoring the urgent need for a more effective management strategy.

In response to this crisis, the Sindh government announced a shift towards a mass vaccination campaign in 2020. However, the implementation of this initiative had been lacking, with reports of previously vaccinated dogs being culled in 2021.

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Experts advocate for the adoption of the Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release (CNVR) policy. This approach, which has proven successful in other developed countries, is lauded for its cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and ethical considerations.

Advocates for animal welfare assert that the CNVR strategy presents a viable and humane alternative for Pakistan to consider.