Tollinton Market, Lahore's largest poultry and bird market, has had its reputation marred by deplorable conditions and illegal practices over several years, raising concerns over animal welfare.
Alongside the trade of chicken, fish, pets and birds, protected species are illicitly bought and sold with no response from government departments. The animals and birds are kept in cramped cages and are subjected to neglect.
According to market organisers, cleaning initiatives and the construction of a new road are being carried out to improve the conditions.
However, a visit to Tollinton Market reveals a distressing reality. It stands as the oldest and largest bird market in Lahore. However, the treatment of animals and birds is tantamount to cruelty and neglect.
Cramped cages, combined with the overwhelming filth and stench, make it unbearable for ordinary citizens to stay even for a few minutes.
Focal Person of the National Alliance of Animal Rights Activists and Advocates (NARA) Aniza Khan Umerzai has been advocating for the improvement of Tollinton Market over the past three years.
Umerzai blames the lack of coordination among various local government departments, including the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Punjab Food Authority, WASA and Livestock, for the prevailing dire conditions. Sick animals and birds are often found in shops, and when they perish, their bodies are casually discarded on nearby roads.
Umerzai further highlighted recent rescues of severely ill and weak puppies and a cat from the market, alleging that traders deliberately left them there to die.
The situation is further exacerbated by the presence of prohibited birds and animals, particularly black pheasants, which some shopkeepers hide. Sale and purchase permits issued by the Punjab Wildlife Department have expired, indicating a lack of enforcement.
Although Wildlife inspectors occasionally visit the market, their efforts seem insufficient to curb the illicit trade.
Animal welfare activists expressed frustration with the minimal punishments for animal cruelty and a lack of dedicated facilities and funding for rescuing and treating neglected animals.
The dire conditions have also led to the emergence of a pet market in Haratwar, within the Tollinton Market vicinity.
The Deputy Director of Wildlife (Lahore), Tanveer Ahmad Janjua, insisted regular inspections and raids are conducted at Tollinton and other markets and reiterated that heavy fines were imposed on those involved in illegal trade of protected animals and birds.
Janjua emphasised on the need for renewing sale and purchase permits and suggested an investigation into the origins of trafficked animals and birds.
Tollinton Market Association President Tariq Javed acknowledged the longstanding issue of faulty sewage systems contributing to the unsanitary conditions.
Despite multiple complaints, the matter remains unresolved, though the association is taking steps to construct a road within the market premises to facilitate easier cleaning.
Javed refuted claims of animal neglect, stating that feeding schedules were posted on boards throughout the market. Furthermore, many shopkeepers have installed air conditioners and coolers to provide relief in hot weather.
Efforts to address the dire conditions at Tollinton Market continue, with activists, authorities and market associations striving to ensure animal welfare and enforce regulations.
However, persistent challenges stemming from poor government coordination, inadequate facilities and insufficient funding put hurdles in the way of achieving a sustainable solution.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 26th, 2023.
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