Camel fighting has turned into a disturbing culture in many parts of South Punjab and Sindh. These magnificent creatures are compelled to fight with each other and the audience applauds at their pain to see it as fun. The camels, in most cases covered with coloured blankets are tortured and harmed in the name of human entertainment, something that poses a serious ethical question.
In other parts of Pakistan too, the same type of animal brutality like dog fighting and cockfighting are still common, although there are authorities who can control and stop this inhumanity, but they are silent. Even though there are laws to inhibit this kind of exploitation, they are not properly enforced and such inhuman incidents go on unabated.
According to animal rights activists, it is not only about the animals, but also about the fact that the society condones violence. Just the way other living beings should be taken care of and should not be used to gamble or get sport enjoyment, so is the case of camels. It is the government’s duty to deal with this issue by force and ensure that such cruelty is never practised.
The eradication of camel fight requires legal measures and awareness of the masses. Societies need to be informed about the pain caused to these animals and the laws, enforced by authorities, should be followed strictly. It is time for compassion with animals.
Najeeb Durrani
Loralai, Balochistan
