LAHORE: The LHC on Tuesday hinted at indicting the deputy commissioner and other authorities of Lahore if alleged deviation from their undertakings regarding the treatment of stray dogs was found true.

Justice Hassan Nawaz Makhdoom was hearing a contempt of court petition that alleged killing of stray dogs in violation of undertakings earlier given before the court by the authorities.

Barrister Maqsooma Zahra Bokhari argued on behalf of the petitioner that the provincial government and local authorities had assured the court that the Punjab Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Policy, 2021 would be implemented in letter and spirit.

The counsel alleged that despite these undertakings, the respondent authorities launched a large-scale dog culling operation across Lahore from April 27 onwards. She claimed that stray dogs were being captured in unmarked vans allegedly bearing fake registration number plates and later transported to the Saggian Bridge area where they were shot dead. She alleged that the operations were supervised by officials of the Municipal Corporation Lahore (MCL) and district administration, including the deputy commissioner.

A provincial law officer, appearing on behalf of the government, rejected the charges of contempt of the court. He said no illegal act had been committed with regard to the stray dogs. He also rejected the video evidence presented by the petitioner as being old.

The judge directed the law officer to seek replies from the respondents within two weeks. He clarified that show-cause notices would be issued to the authorities if they failed to convince the court of the alleged violation of the order.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2026