RECENT news of animal cruelty, including a camel’s legs amputated, a donkey’s ears chopped off, the death of a tortured donkey, and a dog thrown from a building, highlight a disturbing trend. Last year’s neglect of zoo animals and the death of Noor Jehan, an elephant, were widely reported.
In 2004, Karachi’s City Government ordered the killing of stray dogs through poisoning and shooting. A mass culling drive was conducted last year. Such acts tarnish any civilized society. The Quran and Hadith guide respectful treatment of animals, emphasizing their sentience and the duty to avoid cruelty.
Historically, Karachi led in animal rights awareness. Richmond Crawford, a notable figure, established a veterinary hospital in the 1840s. In 1880, prominent citizens founded the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Karachi, with Framroze Punthakey as the secretary. It was modelled after the UK counterpart, enforcing animal protection laws and promoting welfare. Water troughs were built across the city on the busiest thoroughfares, from Guru Mandir to Tower, for the welfare of animals.
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1890, amended over time, remains foundational. Post-independence, West Pakistan enacted its own animal cruelty laws in 1961. Up to the 1980s, the SPCA, led by Lady Nanette Constantine, operated an animal shelter, defended the Richmond Crawford Veterinary Hospital, and ran an abuse hotline despite threats. Her death marked a decline in SPCA activities, with the shelter land seized and the special animal court dissolved. In the 1960s, the SPCA combated encroachments on water troughs for animals. It offered nominal payments to guards and shop space near the troughs to protect these resources.
SPCA stepped forward in 1966 to protect against encroachments over water troughs. In the times of political turmoil such as curfews of 1969, SPCA provided animal hostel service to owners who found it difficult to provide food and veterinary services. Despite limited resources, NGOs like the Pakistan Animal Welfare Society, founded in 2004, and the Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation, continue animal rescue efforts, often relying on volunteers and social media. The Edhi Foundation also operates a shelter for various animals on the Karachi-Hyderabad Super Highway.
Many in Karachi witness animal mistreatment daily, from pet shops to overloaded animals. This cruelty is a behavioural disorder. Raising public awareness and enforcing stricter laws and regulations are crucial to protect animal welfare.
—The writer is Consultant Physician.
