The commissioner orders inspections and immediate application of the new Animal Welfare Law
According to the complaint, some traders and individuals were found to commit extreme cruelty, including cropping dogs’ ears for specific purposes, an act described as inhumane and punishable by law. PHOTO: PIXABAY
PESHAWAR:
Peshawar Divisional Commissioner Riaz Khan Mahsud on Monday took note of reports of cruel treatment of animals in various areas of the city and directed relevant authorities to take immediate action against the violators.
The move came following a complaint filed by animal rights activist and social worker Lubna Tajik, who highlighted serious mistreatment at animal trading points at Kohati Chowk, Gulbahar and Bacha Khan Chowk. According to the complaint, some traders and individuals were found to commit extreme cruelty, including cropping dogs’ ears for specific purposes, an act described as inhumane and punishable by law.
Quickly taking cognizance of the matter, Commissioner Mahsud convened a high-level meeting in his office, which was attended by Peshawar Deputy Commissioner Zeeshan Najeeb along with senior officials of the Livestock Department and the Wildlife Department.
During the meeting, the commissioner directed the deputy commissioner to carry out urgent inspections of animal trade shops in the identified areas, in collaboration with livestock and wildlife officials. He emphasized strict legal action against those found guilty of cruelty, invoking the provisions of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Animal Welfare Act, 2024, a landmark provincial law recently enacted to replace outdated colonial-era legislation and impose penalties including imprisonment and fines for acts of animal abuse.
Other directives included organizing a joint meeting with animal traders and departmental officials to formulate comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) to regulate animal handling, trade and care practices to prevent future incidents of cruelty.
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The commissioner also called for the launch of public awareness campaigns to educate citizens and those involved in the animal trade about humane treatment obligations, urging them to refrain from inhumane practices.
All officials concerned were directed to submit a detailed report on action taken within 72 hours.
The intervention underscored growing administrative determination to enforce modern animal welfare standards, aligning with the province’s new legal framework that seeks to curb unnecessary suffering inflicted on animals.
