KARACHI, Jan 23: Trade of wild animals is the second most lucrative business in the world after narcotics trade which is thriving in Pakistan also, while any type of animal rights is non- existent in Pakistan that will eventually have a negative impact on our eco-system in the long run.
These views were expressed by speakers at a seminar on “Raising awareness about animals protection and rights”, organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation, at its Vicky Zeitlen Media Library, here on Thursday.
The speakers called for more awareness and participation by public as official machinery.
MQM MNA Kanwar Khalid Younus called for strict implementation of laws to protect wildlife because of declining standards in conservation of our eco-system due to over-hunting, over-fishing and massive de-forestation.
Mr Younus said a former Mayor of Karachi, Jamshed Nusserwanjee, had built numerous shelters and drinking water facilities for horses and other animals in the city but all such structures had been demolished by the authorities.
He deplored that there was only one cattle compound in Karachi near the Jubilee Cinema and recalled that a plan for a second cattle compound was initiated in the former District Central in 1991, but it could not be materialised due to subsequent political developments.
Dr. Eijaz of WWF said that WWF was working all over the country for conservation of nature and protection of wildlife.
He stressed the need for developing an awareness among masses and informed about various public awareness activities of the WWF, especially for school-children.
He called for more conservation efforts in rural areas which have a direct contact with forest areas and wildlife,.
Dr. Eijaz expressed the confidence that working with local communities would yield fruit after some years of hard work and said it was the only long-term solution for conservation.
He informed about WWF mangroves forest project in Jiwani, where local fishermen communities used to cut mangroves forests recklessly but the WWF slogan of “Conserving mangroves for yielding shrimps” paid results and now the locals are involved in plantation of mangroves also.
Besides, he added that we need to respect the importance of migratory birds coming during winter season and said that about 2.5 to 3 million such birds come to Pakistan that are hunted well beyond the official limit allowed.
Senior veterinarian Dr Pirzada criticized the attitude of educated and well-to-do persons who do not take care of their pets and said that the standard size of knell is 4x6 feet with 6 feet height but even those who buy a dog for thousands of rupees do not follow it.
He informed that dogs, jackals and foxes are carriers of rabies who must be vaccinated once in a year.
He criticized the local governments for ignoring regulations in this regard, whereas a majority of dogs in Karachi are not vaccinated by their owners.
He deplored the general treatment meted out to birds and animals on streets and at main pet markets where it was difficult for visitors to breathe due to suffocating environment. It was the main reason for a high number of animal mortality in these markets.
Shenaz Ramzi recalled the working of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty against Animals and the efforts of Lady Constantine who helped in formulation of laws that penalise owners for mistreating their pets and getting work from injured animals.
These laws, she said, include ban on sports that bring cruelty to animals. However she said that hardly any of them is implemented.—PPI
