Pakistan is a struggling country that is plagued with myriad problems. It faces rampant poverty, religious extremism, and ubiquitous corruption. Amidst all these pressing issues, it is understandable that concerns of animal abuse get relegated to the sidelines. However, this does not mean that one should turn a blind eye towards these problems. While the human capacity for empathy towards fellow beings generally overshadows concerns regarding the plight of animals, it should not be used as pretence for continued animal abuse. Moreover, given that ameliorating this problem only requires certain basic measures, it should be assigned a high degree of priority so that animal suffering can be minimised. It may sound trivial to most, but cruelty towards animals must be treated as a serious issue. In fact, humane treatment of animals must be seen as a mark of civility and Pakistanis should strive to be more considerate towards them. Kaavan is an elephant that is chained at the Marghazar Zoo. Situated in Islamabad, the Marghazar Zoo does not have adequate space for an elephant and this has resulted in the animal living in harsh conditions. Moreover, the very act of chaining an elephant is abhorrent as it restricts its freedom of movement and negatively impacts its psychological wellbeing. To make matters worse, the chain can damage the elephant’s foot and this is all the more alarming since, if an elephant collapses, it can seriously damage its internal organs under its massive weight. Kaavan was briefly unchained in the fall following global outcry over its plight. However, the zoo authorities did not keep their promise and chained him again over the pretence of the construction of a shed. Furthermore, the zoo authorities claimed that Kaavan was going through a stage called ‘musth’ in which the testosterone level of the elephant increases and this makes it more aggressive. Regardless of the reason, Kaavan is being subjected to animal cruelty by keeping it chained in a place that is, primarily, too small for it. Many animal rights advocates have argued that in its present state, the Marghazar Zoo is not suitable for any elephant. Hence, instead of making plans to bring a female elephant into the zoo to keep Kaavan company, the elephant must be moved to a suitable home. It is hard to believe that the Capital Development Authority does not have the resources to construct a proper home for Kaavan. Not only will it save the elephant from its miserable plight, but it would also generate revenue, as people would come to watch the famous elephant. It could even be extended to include more elephants, which would further increase its appeal to the public. Pakistan lacks proper codes for proper treatment of animals. The problem is not only relevant to the zoos but also to everyday life. One does not need to look far as the abysmal condition of stray animals is enough to make one cringe. Often, stray dogs are mercilessly shot by people instead of moving them to a shelter. Not just adults but even children are seen harassing, and even hitting stray dogs with sticks, highlighting the heartless apathy most Pakistanis have for animals. While children worldwide are naturally inclined toward animals — be they domesticated or wild — most Pakistani children are conditioned to treat stray animals with indifference, or outright unkindness. Another example of blatant animal cruelty is the way donkeys are mistreated being forced to pull heavy weights on carts, mercilessly beaten by their handlers, and standing yoked to the carts for hours in all kinds of weather. One of the reasons behind unkindness toward animals, besides general antipathy towards these creatures, is the non-existence of animal shelters. The provision of proper facilities for animals has received the lowest degree of attention by all governments, and it is time to change this. Only by highlighting the issue of animal cruelty can we force our government to take appropriate action. *