Bangladesh’s High Court has challenged the removal of community dogs from public spaces and ordered authorities to form an expert committee to implement humane sterilisation and vaccination programmes.
The High Court of Bangladesh on Sunday issued a Rule Nisi questioning why the ongoing removal, relocation and transfer of community dogs from public spaces should not be declared unlawful.
A bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar also directed the formation of a high-level expert committee to advance humane animal population management through Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (CNVR) and Mass Dog Vaccination (MDV) programmes.
The court further instructed the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Local Government Division, the Department of Livestock Services and the Directorate General of Health Services to constitute the committee within 60 days and begin work on implementing the programmes in areas under the Dhaka South City Corporation.
The order followed a petition filed by Deepanwita Hridi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ALB Animal Shelter, challenging the legality of removing ownerless community dogs from areas under the Dhaka South City Corporation jurisdiction.
In its Rule, the court asked the respondents to explain why such actions, allegedly taken in violation of a Local Government Division circular dated December 15, 2025 and Sections 7(1) and 14 of the Animal Welfare Act 2019, should not be declared without lawful authority and of no legal effect.
The development came a day after animal rights activists formed a human chain in front of the Raju Memorial Sculpture at the University of Dhaka, protesting calls for culling street dogs and demanding full enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act 2019.
Around 150 to 200 participants, including animal welfare advocates, teachers, students, journalists, cultural figures, filmmakers and concerned citizens, joined the demonstration.
Reacting to the order, petitioner’s lawyer Md Towfiqul Islam Khan said the court’s directive reinforces the legal and public health basis for humane animal management.
“This is a significant step for the rule of law and public health. It confirms that vaccination, sterilisation and humane management are the lawful and sustainable approach,” he said.
Deepanwita Hridi said the ruling marked a broader shift in animal welfare governance.
“This is not only a victory for animal welfare but also for public health and humanitarian values. Humane management, not killing, is the only acceptable solution,” she said, adding that such programmes should be expanded nationwide beyond Dhaka South City Corporation.
Nilufa Yasmin Tumpa, Director of Grit Foundation, said the court order strengthened demands raised during the protest.
“We hope authorities act quickly to implement CNVR and mass vaccination programmes,” she said.
