IT was a great relief to finally see a legislator speak on behalf of the hundreds of animal activists in Pakistan including myself. The treatment meted out to these poor speechless beings by all and sundry is atrocious.

On a daily basis, we encounter over-burdened animals yoked to carts on roads while the traffic wardens watch quietly. Once upon a time there used to be a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Pakistan meant to ensure the welfare of animals. One wonders whatever happened to this society that was tasked with the responsibility to check cruelties and felonies committed against animals.

As a common citizen, I can only plead with the beast’s owner to go easy on the animal, but is this enough. More often than not the ill-treatment of the animal will continue till death puts it out of its misery.

There is also the sad fact that the municipal authorities don’t seem to have a better option than culling dogs with poison and guns.

Has any civic official bothered to visit animal markets in cities where stolen pets are bought and sold where they are kept in the most terrible conditions.

Animal lovers in this country have reason for hope. At least the start of legislation is the beginning of animal rights in Pakistan.

Amna Khan

Lahore

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2018