Daily Times

The culture of animal violence is grossly overlooked in Pakistan and the recent incident of a victimized dog shot multiple times can attest this claim. First, it was a helpless donkey and now a man’s best friend. The poor animal was exploited for political reasons; it was covered in a PTI flag and deprived of its rights. It would hardly surprise anyone if PML-N voters were involved in the ruthless act. Apparently, animals are easier targets for some individuals to displace their frustration. We have witnessed the mass killing of stray dogs in the past and have done absolutely nothing to protect animal freedom. If we had, such abhorrent events would not be social media headlines.

Sadly, Pakistan’s media has done very little to bring attention to this case; breaking news to the public for a split second does not solve the problem; it conveys a news story without any action. The media lot has a large fraction of show time devoted to politics and politics only. Can we not spare half hour for an issue as important as animal right’s violation? Clearly, Television Rating Points (TRPs) have marred our human soul. A country that is incapable of advocating human rights is weak but its inability to safeguard animal rights is a completely different story altogether. Although animal cruelty has been in practice for a while now, we have crossed all boundaries with this incident.

Neighboring India has problems of its own; a pregnant goat was gang raped by eight men and it only adds up to the muddle. There are birds being strangled and other animals being sexually molested. Have we stooped so low? That said, our actions must have consequences especially when they incite violence. If an animal is subject to conscious brutality, the perpetrator too deserves a brutal sentence. Why are activists in Pakistan not vocal about this? We support women and children in adversity; why not animals? Perhaps we should socially label ourselves as the animals because we are a disgrace in the face of humanity.

Animals are a part of the ecosystem and if we cannot stand diversity of thought, the least we can do is not to destroy their peaceful habitat. In a country where human life is at stake, animals have to suffer too.

There is a strong need to update the legislation on animal rights. Unless there is no effort on our end, we cannot bring solutions to the forefront. It is our duty as citizens of Pakistan to respect one another, regardless of which party we support. It is unacceptable to vent out anger on animals or innocent civilians.

This year’s election has been extremely divisive and polarizing but it should not be a forum for rousing violence and hatred. For us, animal violence is not an issue; thirst for power is. Most certainly, politics is unsanitary in Pakistan but it is possible to practice it rightfully and holistically, if we are responsible enough.