Guide 1
Why Culling Continues
Culling is visible and politically quick, especially after bite incidents or rabies fear. But it does not build vaccinated dog populations, does not remove food sources and does not prevent new dogs from entering the same areas.
Guide 2
Why It Does Not Work
When street dogs are killed, the territory opens up. New dogs move in and survivors breed. Without vaccination, rabies risk remains. The result is a cycle of killing, rebound and renewed fear rather than sustained control.
Guide 3
What Should Replace It
A humane programme catches dogs safely, neuters them, vaccinates them against rabies and returns healthy dogs to stable territories. It also treats injured dogs and educates communities so people understand how to report and avoid risk.
Guide 4
Evidence Against Culling
WHO, WOAH and peer-reviewed studies show mass dog killing does not reduce populations long term or control rabies. The vacuum effect and compensatory breeding mean visible dog numbers return within weeks while vaccination coverage never reaches protective thresholds.
Guide 5
Humane alternatives and the appeal purpose
Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return in Karachi and Lahore replaces culling with humane, evidence-based population management. UK donors can review the proposed purpose and funding status at Karachi street-dog appeal — see why dog culling does not work for the full evidence base.