ANIMALS have no voice. They cannot speak for themselves. Thus it is our responsibility to treat them well.

From what I see on the streets, at least 70 per cent of cats, dogs, birds and donkeys are suffering from abuse. I recently came across a research which shows links between animal abuse and domestic violence. It suggests that there is a possibility that a child, who is being mistreated at home, might take anger out on another helpless creature such as cats, dogs, horses and livestock.

Besides house pets, animals are also used for entertainment purposes in circuses and private zoos. They are trained with sticks and kept hungry. This is not the kind of treatment they deserve.

These days, we also have puppy mills where dogs are used purely for breeding purposes. These breeding mills have led to dogs to face severe illnesses such as kidney failure, respiratory issues and heart disease.

Apart from breeding, many cosmetic firms also use animals for testing their products before the launch. Around 110 million rabbits, mice, rats, dogs and cats die owing to chemical testing on their skin.

These poor rabbits, cats and other animals can be saved if people start reporting animal abuse or just adopting an animal.

Fizza Godil

Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2019