Life on the streets

The problem of street or stray animals in Karachi needs attention. These animals are often sick and malnourished and I find this to be unacceptable. Such problems threaten the health of the people living alongside them as well. In addition, many street animals get involved in road accidents or suffer cruel treatment at the hands of some people. However, even though some organizations and volunteers are trying their best to handle the matter at hand, they usually do not have enough support from the public or government institutions.

It is high time that initiatives such as vaccination campaigns, spay/neuter programmes and rescue missions receive more backing from both the government and the people of the city. This problem calls for real action on several fronts. More animal shelters should be constructed while funding towards veterinary provisions needs to increase alongside educational initiatives aimed at encouraging compassion towards animals.

Asmar Sohail

Karachi