Animal Cruelty in Pakistan

Animal cruelty is a serious problem that affects many animals each year. In the United States alone, it is estimated that up to 10 million animals are victims of animal cruelty.

There are some reasons why someone may inadvertently engage in animal cruelty. In some cases, it may be due to mental illness or a lack of empathy for animals. In other cases, it may be done for amusement or because the perpetrator believes that it is funny. Sometimes, animal cruelty is motivated by a desire to gain power or control over another living being.

Animal Cruelty in Pakistan

Much like in other countries, animal cruelty is a big problem in Pakistan. There are many reported cases of animals being abused, neglected, and even killed by their owners or others.

Animal cruelty can take many forms, from intentional violence and abuse to neglect and abandonment. Some of the most common types of animal cruelty include:

• Physical abuse: This can involve beatings, kicking, burning, or any other type of physical harm.
• Neglect: This occurs when an owner fails to provide basic needs such as food, water, shelter, or veterinary care.
• Abandonment: This happens when an owner deliberately leaves an animal on its own without any means of survival.
• Animal fighting: This cruel practice involves making two or more animals fight each other for entertainment or gambling purposes.

Sadly, many cases of animal cruelty go unreported or uninvestigated in Pakistan. This is often due to a lack of awareness about the issue and/or the absence of strict laws and enforcement. As a result, abusers often continue to mistreat animals with impunity.

How to Recognize Animal Cruelty

It’s important to be aware of the signs of animal cruelty and to report any instances that you witness. Animals are helpless creatures that depend on us for their care, and they deserve to be treated with compassion and respect. Unfortunately, far too often, they are subjected to abuse and neglect.

Signs of animal cruelty can include:

• Animals who are malnourished or have untreated injuries
• Animals who are chained up or caged in small spaces
• Animals who are being used for fighting or other illegal activities
• Animals who appear to be neglected or mistreated in any way

If you see any of these signs, it’s important to report it to the proper authorities.

The Link Between Animal Abuse and Violence Towards People

Animal abuse is often considered a lower-level crime and thus may not garner much attention from law enforcement or the public at large. However, research has consistently shown that there is a correlation between animal cruelty and other forms of violence. FBI research indicates that most serial killers, school shooters, and mass murderers tortured animals as children.

While it is not always the case that someone who abuses animals will go on to commit acts of violence against people, it is still a warning sign that should not be ignored.

Animal Cruelty and Pakistani Law

Islamabad Announced Animal Welfare Reforms, Bans Animal Testing on 1^st July 2022

The government has announced new animal welfare reforms, including a ban on animal testing. The reforms are aimed at addressing animal cruelty and abuse through effective legislation and implementation. However, the new order will initially be implemented in Islamabad only.

“Live testing of animals in vet colleges and industrial complexes is banned from today in Islamabad Capital Territory,” said Salman Sufi, head of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s strategic reforms unit, announced during a news conference.

Offenders will now face a fine of Rs15,000 ($73) and up to six months in jail. The citizens would be able to report any act of cruelty toward animals through a hotline 1819 in Islamabad’s capital territory

According to Sufi, the bill will be “Pakistan’s first comprehensive animal welfare law,” which will hopefully be enforced throughout the country.

These changes have been welcomed by animal rights activists, who have long called for tougher punishments for offenders. The new measures are a step in the right direction towards protecting the welfare of animals in Pakistan.

(289) Negligent Conduct Concerning Animal

The law considers it a negligent act when a person abandons their pet. 

The Act says, “Whoever, knowingly or negligently omits to take such order with any animal in his possession as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life or any probable danger of grievous hurt from such animal, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to three thousand rupees, or with both.” In other words,

(428) Mischief by Killing or Maiming Animal of the Value of Ten Rupees
The Act says, “Whoever commits mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless any animal of the value of ten rupees or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.”

(429) Mischief by Killing or Maiming Cattle, Etc., of Any Value or Any Animal of the Value of Fifty Rupees
The Act says, “Whoever commits mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless, any elephant, camel, horse, mule, buffalo, bull, cow or ox, whatever may be the value thereof, or any other animal of the value of fifty rupees or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with both.”

(430) Mischief by Injury to Works of Irrigation or by Wrongfully Diverting Water

In Pakistan, it is considered a crime to cut off the water supply to animals.

The Act says, “Whoever commits mischief by doing any act which causes, or which he knows to be likely to cause, a diminution of the supply of water for agricultural purposes, or for food or drink for human beings or for animals which are property, or for cleanliness or for carrying on any manufacture, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both.”

Ways We Can Stop Animal Cruelty in Pakistan

There are some things that we can do to help prevent animal cruelty in Pakistan. In the immediate circumstance, you can call the police and file an FIR.

One of the most important things is to educate people about the issue. Many people are not aware of the problem, and as such, they may unknowingly support it. There are several ways to educate people about animal cruelty, including through the media, educational campaigns, and by working with local schools and organizations.

Another important thing that we can do is to support organizations that are working to end animal cruelty in Pakistan. These organizations often have many resources and networks that we can utilize to help make a difference. Finally, we can also take action ourselves to help prevent animal cruelty. This may include reporting cases of abuse, helping to rescue animals from abusive situations, and raising awareness about the issue.