The growing pet industry might change the perception of stray animals in Pakistan.
By: Abdul Quddoos
Tags: Pets, Stray Dogs, Stray Animals, Animal Rights, Dogngo

Having moved by the untold plights of stray animals, I composed an Urdu poem titled “Migration”. Human beings have been making progress over the course of their existence. Thus, they have taken control of the planet. In such a situation, where should animals go? The stray animals reserve their rights too. Will the perception of stray animals and pets get a better version in Pakistan?

The number of such a helpless creature is huge that one comes across in streets, towns, and suburbs. Extreme winter or summer adds to their sufferings. Imagine, during a cold night, you are out there somewhere shivering. And imagine those cats, dogs and birds how they would pass that night. Not a single night, but many nights, alas! Imagine how they would go in search of food when there is a low possibility for them to find something.

It is not limited here, but more is to come. Lockdown during the pandemic is troublesome for human beings as well as for stray animals. They are unable to satiate themselves because less food-stuff is left outside by the populace of the city.

Efforts of Government of Pakistan for stray animals:

A saying goes that a government makes the consciousness of the general public. A renowned ruler said that he would be subject to inquiry even if a dog died out of hunger. Pakistan does not have a well-coordinated department to protect animals. A general department named Wild Life Protection exists; however, it is not particularly meant for stray animals. They are dealt with under the policies of the Ministry Of Heath, which is devolved to provinces after the 18th amendment. Or, it is the matter of the jurisdiction of district administration. Since an integrated policy framework is absent, the outcome is obvious. The story reported by The News is heartbreaking. It says that around 50,000 dogs got killed by the authorities each year.

People get scared of stray animals?

The Dawn published a letter titled “Dogs will Bite” that implied that Government should go for the mass killing of dogs in Karachi. The sender of the letter was of the view that dogs are causing rabies. Instead of insisting more on the vaccination of dogs, he stressed on their killings. Such kind of gesture by a doctor would raise an alarm bell among the people. Thus, they would change their understanding of them. This is why donkeys, cats, turtles, mongoose etc are seen wounded at the whereabouts. People may care for the rest, but they discriminate against dogs. Because of the fear of rabies, individuals become reluctant to help them. There is a lack of infrastructure whose application would have assuaged their pains otherwise.

Laws for the protection of animals in Pakistan

Animal Protection Index noted that Pakistan’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1890 is archaic. The law does not take into consideration the modern and scientific methodologies for the safety of animals. Although Pakistan is a signatory of many International treaties, yet the administrative practices are not satisfactory. And the whole system is struggling to get most of the compliance.

Changing dynamics as the pet industry is growing

My mother puts water and grains on the roof for birds, and she separates some food for stray dogs. Many houses in my neighbourhood keep dogs. I become happy when the children along with their parents play with puppies.

Further, there is a signal of hope in the fact that the pet industry is showing tremendous growth. New opportunities are on the horizon. Through the back and forth industrial linkages, it will create employment. On the other hand, it will also pour some kindness into the heart of people for stray animals. A study found a correlation between two aspects: pets loving individuals also love poor stray creatures.

Many initiatives are being taken on the part of civil society to protect animals. The First Stray Dog Sanctuary is such an example. A couple of other local NGOs are also operating now.

More to this side, Animal Protection Index mentioned new but limited legislation by the Government of Pakistan. It is a positive move, yet a lot of endeavours are the need of the hour. Embracing diversity will be a source of long-term gain by establishing an equilibrium in the ecosystem.

To sum up,

I respond to the query that I have put forth in my poem, “where should animals and birds go”, I would say they cannot escape this planet. They belong to it. They are to live here. What we need to do is to sprout feelings of living together in harmony with animals, birds, and any other thing on Earth.