RECENT incidents of extreme cruelty to animals across Pakistan demand urgent public attention and legislative action. Videos of donkeys being beaten for overloading, stray dogs being poisoned, horses collapsing from exhaustion, and livestock being transported in appalling conditions have become disturbingly common. All such acts are not merely individual failures; they reflect systemic negligence and the weak enforcement of existing laws.

Pakistan already has in place laws like the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1890, but their penalties are outdated and insignificant, often amounting to fines that are too small to deter offenders.

When punishment costs one less than humane care, cruelty inevitably persists. Authorities must recognise that animals are sentient beings capable of feeling pain and distress, and their welfare is closely linked to the ethical fabric of society.

There is an urgent need to reinforce the law through meaningful amendments. Penalties should be substantially increased, repeat offenders must face imprisonment, and clear operational guidelines should be provided to police and local adminis-trations for timely intervention. Equally important is public awareness; educational campaigns can cultivate compassion among children and adults alike.

Municipal bodies should collaborate with veterinary professionals and animal welfare organisations to establish rescue mechanisms and reporting systems. A responsive helpline and stricter monitoring of markets, transport vehicles and brick kilns would significantly reduce suffering.

A society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable. Strengthening animal protection laws will not only prevent brutality, but also promote responsibility, empathy and level of maturity in society.

Dr Raheel Laghari
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2026