LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday directed the Punjab health secretary to engage the Young Doctors Association (YDA) in consultation and devise a strategyfor controlling and culling rabid and stray dogs to protect the lives of citizens.
Justice Khalid Ishaq was hearing a petition filed by YDA Secretary Dr Salman Kazmi.
Petitioner’s counsel Abdullah Malik submitted that attacks by rabid and stray dogs on citizens were continuing, but the Punjab government had so far failed to take effective measures to control or cull such dogs.
He said at least four persons had died due to dog bites during the last two months in the province.
He argued that the Constitution guaranteed citizens’ right to life and that it was the government’s responsibility to take effective measures to protect their lives.
A provincial law officer stated that the government was ready to sit with the petitioner for the implementation of the law.
The judge adjourned the hearing for a fortnight and directed the health secretary to engage the petitioner in consultation and find out a way forward on the matter.