IHC bans import of rare animal breeds

Court declares depriving animals of natural habitat for entertainment violates fundamental rights

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court has imposed a ban on the import of rare breeds of animals.

The court, in its written order, has declared that depriving animals of their natural habitat merely for the entertainment of human beings violates fundamental rights. The FBR should ensure that no animals are imported against Animal Act 2012 till the next hearing, said the court.

Chief Justice Athar Minallah, while issuing a written order for the hearing, declared that human survival on the planet depends on the co-existence of animals and the preservation of their natural surroundings. The deputy director wildlife did not deny that rare animals were imported by citizens in the past, which implies that animals have been imported during the past years in violation of Animal Act 2012.

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The court sought a report on import policy regarding rare animal species from the Ministry of Climate Change and Chairman FBR.

The court has also directed the Ministry of Climate Change to furnish the notifications for the establishment of a Management and Scientific Authority under Animal Act 2012.

The court said that if these authorities have not been set up yet, they should be set up within 30 days. Further hearing of the case will be held on November 19.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th, 2021.