Animal rights activists have accused the Capital Development Authority (CDA) of violating court directives by allegedly killing stray dogs in Islamabad, just hours after it assured the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that it would follow humane population control under the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) framework. The controversy erupted after videos surfaced online showing CDA workers transporting a van filled with dead dogs from a government facility in Taramri.
The incident occurred shortly after the civic body committed before the IHC to implement the Islamabad Capital Territory Dog Population Control Policy, which mandates non-lethal measures such as sterilisation, vaccination, and the release of animals back to their original areas. The court’s directive, issued under the IWMB vs MCI (2020) judgement, aligns with global animal welfare standards.
In a strong reaction, activists accused the CDA of deception and contempt of court. “This is a blatant violation of judicial orders and a betrayal of public trust,” an animal welfare organisation said in a statement. “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.”
The CDA, however, has denied all allegations, claiming that its operations strictly adhere to the TNVR model. Official data shows that between July and September, more than 550 stray dogs were captured from multiple sectors including 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. According to the CDA, these animals were taken to its Stray Dog Centre in Taramri for sterilisation, vaccination, and treatment before being relocated to safer areas.
“The campaign aims to ensure citizens’ safety while managing stray animals humanely,” CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa said. He added that a 24/7 helpline (1334) and an online complaint portal were active for public use to report any incidents or concerns.
Earlier, the Islamabad High Court had warned the civic body that culling dogs violated both Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) regulations and the Animal Welfare Act 2023, which criminalises cruelty to animals. The court ordered full transparency and compassion-based practices in population control, reminding officials that killing was not a solution.
Following the alleged killings, animal rights activists have urged the judiciary to take suo motu notice and hold responsible officials accountable. “We will not allow this brutality to continue under the guise of population control,” one petitioner said. “Islamabad deserves a modern, science-based approach, not medieval cruelty.”
The case has sparked nationwide outrage, with social media users calling for reforms in stray animal management and for strict enforcement of humane policies. The debate over the CDA’s alleged killing of stray dogs after court’s humane policy order continues to gain traction as activists demand justice and policy accountability.
