KARACHI:
Jacobabad is one of the hottest cities in the world, where summer temperatures often reach 50°C. While people seek shelter from the scorching heat, working animals, particularly donkeys, continue to labour under the blazing sun.
Donkeys are indispensable to the daily lives of many residents. They transport people and carry goods for those who cannot afford a decent mode of transportation. It is estimated that more than 3,000 donkeys work on the streets of Jacobabad every day. According to animal welfare experts, donkeys should have access to drinking water and shade while working in extreme temperatures. However, many owners have claimed they make their animals work from 8am to 5pm, during which the animals neither receive water nor adequate rest. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat also leaves them vulnerable to diseases such as habronemiasis and sweet itch, making their work even more difficult.
These hardworking animals must be protected. Donkey owners should ensure access to clean drinking water with regular rest breaks underneath shaded areas during the hottest hours of the day. Government authorities and animal welfare organisations must also raise awareness and promote better standards of animal care. Protecting these animals is both a moral responsibility and a practical necessity, as they remain vital to the livelihoods of many families.
Qamber Sharif
Balgater
