The High Court has ordered Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) to stop the relocation of stray dogs from its area until the next hearing of the writ filed on the matter.
The High Court bench of Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam and Justice Mohammad Ali – while keeping the writ petition "stand over" (waiting for hearing) for a month – issued the verbal order on Monday.
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According to the court order, Attorney General AM Aminuddin will discuss the matter with the DSCC mayor and inform the court as to why they cannot take up the sterilization program like Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) did.
Barrister Muhammed Mustafizur Rahman Khan and Barrister Saqeb Mahbub stood for the writ, while Attorney General AM Aminuddin represented the state.
Barrister Saqeb Mahbub confirmed the matter to Dhaka Tribune.
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On September 17, a petition was filed with the High Court, seeking its directive to stop the move by DSCC to relocate stray dogs.
Actress Jaya Ahsan and two animal rights bodies – People for Animal Welfare (PAW) Foundation, and Obhoyaronno, filed the petition.
According to section 7 of the Animal Welfare Act 2019, stray animals cannot be killed or relocated.
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However, in August this year, Dhaka South City authorities began relocating 30,000 stray dogs from Dhaka.
The DSCC said the decision to relocate stray dogs came following complaints of untoward incidents.
The move drew criticism and triggered protests from animal rights activists in the capital.