Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Karachi Zoo has become notorious for animal abuse as rare breeds are facing the threat of extinction due to improper food supply. Earlier, a disturbing video of a feeble lion in the Karachi Zoo uploaded on social media went viral, prompting the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation to issue a statement that all animals at the zoo were being given a proper diet. It is obvious that Karachi Zoo is not capable of taking care of its animals. There are enough problems to be solved in Pakistan, why have a zoo and kill the animals needlessly? It’s heart shattering to witness the manner animals are treated in our country. They obviously feel pain, love and happiness towards humans. We actually have to be compelled to extend our ethical and moral values to prevent the cruel treatment towards them. Zoos are established with a view to conserve animals and save endangered species from extinction besides educating the general public about different breeds. Confining animals in zoos for public amusement require proper arrangements for their well-being including daily food supply, proper shelter and their medical treatment. Any negligence regarding animals’ treatment in zoos is tantamount to abuse of their rights and must be dealt with strictly.
The biggest problem we have as a nation regarding animal rights is that many of us don’t even consider violations to be an issue. The city administration offices do not trouble their heads about the poor creatures. As members of civilized society, we cannot digest the idea of them being mistreated in society. Perhaps a better strategy would be to follow the methods laid out by the World Health Organisation, as under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1890, there is a penalty for cruelty to animals, punishable with a fine and imprisonment. It is disappointing, therefore, that this concern has been repeatedly ignored by those in positions to make changes, even though the law states that no animal is to be harmed or killed without reason. The concerned authorities must take measures to avoid any form of animal abuse either in zoos or elsewhere in society.
