The Metropolitan Corporation of Lahore is facing renewed allegations of killing stray dogs after a new video surfaced showing the carcasses of dogs being transported near Harbanspura Ring Road.
The footage, which has circulated widely on social media, allegedly shows dead stray dogs being loaded onto vehicles linked to the Punjab Chief Minister’s Suthra Punjab cleanliness initiative. Viewers have claimed that vehicles assigned to sanitation duties were used to transport the animals.
Claims Raise Questions Over Court Orders
In the video, a citizen can be heard confronting an official about an alleged court ban on killing stray dogs. The official is heard responding that there is no such ban and that the activity is being carried out by the government.
The video emerged despite standing directions from the Lahore High Court, which has instructed the Punjab government to strictly follow the Punjab Animal Birth Control policy.
During earlier hearings, provincial authorities assured the court that stray dogs would not be culled and that population control would be handled through humane means. The court had also warned that any violation of its directives could lead to contempt proceedings.
TNVR Policy and Government Commitments
The Punjab Government introduced the Punjab Animal Birth Control policy in 2021 as a humane solution to managing stray dog populations. The policy mandates the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release method, under which dogs are captured, sterilized, vaccinated against rabies, and released back into their original areas.
Officials previously told the court that this approach would replace earlier practices and help address both public safety and animal welfare concerns.
Animal Welfare Groups Voice Concerns
Animal welfare organisations and rights activists say the latest video reinforces long-standing concerns that stray dogs continue to be killed in Lahore and other parts of Punjab despite official assurances.
Activists also allege that similar incidents have been reported in several private housing societies, suggesting inconsistent enforcement of the policy and weak oversight by local authorities.
Government departments and municipal bodies have denied such allegations on multiple occasions, maintaining that they are complying with court orders and established policy guidelines.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
The resurfacing of graphic footage has renewed calls for transparency, independent verification, and accountability from civic authorities. Legal experts say that if the allegations are substantiated, they could raise serious questions about compliance with court orders and the implementation of provincial animal welfare policies.
So far, no official statement has been issued in response to the latest video. The matter is expected to draw further attention as activists push for investigations and clearer enforcement of the TNVR policy across Punjab.
