CDA bans shooting stray dogs

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to impose a complete ban on shooting stray dogs in the city.

According to a report in Dawn News, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hamza Shafqaat, CDA officers, representatives of non-profit animal rights organisations, and citizens of Islamabad were among those present at the meeting when the decision was taken.

Speaking to the publication, DC Islamabad Hamza Shafqat said: “Shooting has been stopped forever. It has been decided that municipal by-laws will be amended to remove the clause stating elimination of dogs.”

CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed added that the governing body is exploring other options for the elimination of dogs instead of shooting them. Members of the meeting will reportedly convene again in two weeks to discuss solutions.

At present, the civic agency has a special dog shooting wing which is used for the elimination of stray dogs. However, civil society and non-profit organisations have often protested against the inhumane act.

Meanwhile, in June last year, to control the increase in the population of stray dogs in Peshawar, the Peshawar Livestock Department decided to neuter the animals instead of culling them and is offering a cash reward of Rs 200 to anyone who brings in a stray dog to the department.