Actor Raises Concern Over Reports of Dog Killings
KARACHI: Pakistani actor Zhalay Sarhadi has strongly condemned the reported killing of stray dogs in Lahore and demanded the immediate implementation of humane animal control policies.
In a video message shared on social media, concern was expressed by the actor over reports that stray dogs were allegedly being poisoned and shot despite court directives against such actions.
She questioned why orders issued by the Lahore High Court were not being followed and asked what gave authorities the right to take innocent animal lives.
Humane Methods Urged Instead of Violence
The actor stated that stray dog attacks remained a genuine issue but argued that the problem had worsened because humane population control measures were not properly implemented.
According to Sarhadi, the trap, neuter, vaccinate, release (TNVR) method should have been adopted to manage stray animal populations in a safe and responsible manner.
She said the use of violence against animals could not be justified when internationally recognized humane solutions were already available.
The actor also suggested that financial considerations might be one reason humane methods were being ignored.
“Perhaps it is considered cheaper to shoot dogs rather than vaccinate and treat them,” she remarked.
Human Cruelty Towards Animals Criticized
Strong criticism was also directed at society’s treatment of animals in general.
Sarhadi questioned why humans believed they had the authority to exploit animals for labor, entertainment, and convenience.
She pointed out that donkeys were used for heavy work, horses were forced into labor, elephants were used for entertainment, and animals were confined in zoos away from their natural habitats.
According to the actor, humans had become the “cruelest” among living beings because animals were often abused without accountability.
Abuse Blamed for Aggressive Animal Behaviour
The actor argued that aggressive behavior among stray animals was frequently caused by human mistreatment.
She stated that many stray dogs spent their lives being abused, attacked, and pelted with stones, which forced them to become defensive.
Sarhadi shared that she had visited several areas in Pakistan where kindness toward animals was treated as part of local culture. In those communities, peaceful coexistence between humans and animals was commonly observed.
Comparison Drawn Between Human Crimes and Animal Killings
While criticizing the alleged culling campaign, the actor compared society’s response to dog attacks with reactions to crimes committed by humans.
She said that when crimes against children were committed by individuals such as relatives, teachers, or religious figures, entire groups of people were not punished collectively.
However, she argued that stray dogs were often targeted and killed simply because they lacked the ability to defend themselves.
Support Expressed for Animal Welfare Activists
Zhalay Sarhadi also praised volunteers, shelters, and animal rights activists working to protect stray animals across the country.
She said their efforts represented compassion and humanity and stressed that the fight for animal welfare must continue.
Conflicting Claims Over Lahore Dog Culling Campaign
Reports and eyewitness accounts from Lahore have claimed that a large-scale dog culling campaign was being carried out by the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL).
The campaign was reportedly launched despite the Punjab Animal Birth Control Policy 2021, which promotes vaccination and humane population control.
However, Chief Metropolitan Officer Shahid Kathia denied the allegations and stated that dogs were only being captured, vaccinated, and relocated outside the city.
The claims were later challenged by the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, which reportedly stated that no animals had been brought to the institution for vaccination.
Meanwhile, videos showing dog carcasses on streets continued to circulate on social media, further intensifying public concern and debate over animal welfare practices in the city.
