Justice for animals: Animal rights under the judicial scanner

The secretary says there are 111 wildlife breeding farms operating in the province.

LAHORE:

The Wildlife Department secretary on Thursday informed the Lahore High Court that 585 birds, 43 puppies, 18 horses, nine lion cubs, eight cats and five zebras were imported into the provincial metropolis last year.

The secretary said there were 111 wildlife breeding farms operating in the province. He submitted a report on the issuance of import permits for animals. The judge examined the report and adjourned the case till June 26. The judge was hearing a petition filed by animal rights activist Faryal Ali Gauhar against the display of wild animals in public gatherings. The judge had sought an explanation regarding issuance of licences.

The petition had been originally filed in 2013 following the exhibition of a white tiger by a political party during its election rallies.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2014.