Call to stop dog culling

Lahore : Civil society and animal rights activists have drawn the attention of the government towards the sad plight of animals in Pakistan.

“We voted for this government because Khan Sahib promised to make Naya Pakistan on the basis of "Riyasat-e-Madina.”

He often quotes Hazra Umer (RA) as saying “I would be responsible even if a hungry dog died at the banks of river Dajjlah." In Pakistan, street animals are killed by shooting and by poisoning.

Is this how the Riyasat e Madinah would look like in the 21st century, questioned the rights activists.

“We need new laws in Pakistan especially in Punjab as the old law is the way too old (1890) and completely insufficient for today’s needs,” said Ayeza Haider, CEO of an NGO.

Animal rights activists rallied in front of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Saturday to register their protest and demands.

Pakistan is a member of OIE, world organisation for animal health and has made commitment to give all animals five basic rights.

Letting animals have a right to live without fear is an important factor among those rights.

They protested against ‘dog culling,’ terming it cruelty and called for switching to TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return) which is practiced in civilised Muslim countries like Turkey. “For that, we have to launch awareness campaign in general public to address their fears about strays, make shelters for street animals like the Panahgahs for homeless and hungry people have been made. Animal lovers will help and support government in running it,” said Ayeza Haider.