Rawalpindi police have taken a significant step towards animal welfare by establishing an Animal Rescue Centre in the Gawalmandi neighbourhood of the garrison city.
The newly established centre aims to safeguard helpless animals by offering a range of facilities, including first aid services and a lost and found section for citizens. Themed “Protection of Speechless,” the centre enunciates the vulnerability of animals requiring care and protection in urban environments.
Established under the directives of the Rawalpindi CPO, the centre employs the veterinary doctor and rescue staff of the Rawalpindi police. Sub Inspector Dr Arsalan Rana, a qualified veterinary doctor, has been appointed as the in-charge of the Animal Rescue Centre.
Talking to The Express Tribune, focal person ASP Kainat Azhar highlighted the centre’s role in administering first aid to animals reported for abuse by citizens. “In the civilised societies, people as well as animals are taken care of,” she said. The facility also provides an avenue for citizens to adopt pets and report missing animals.
Veterinarian Dr Arslan Rana emphasised that the centre offers first aid for animal injuries, including dog bites, and features an operational theatre. “In the event of dog bites or animals in need of first aid, the facility also offers first aid assistance and the ability to report a missing pet,” he said.
For those interested in actively contributing to animal welfare, the Animal Rescue Centre allows citizens to join an internship programme by paying a nominal fee. The centre has also formed partnerships with other pet clinics to enhance its outreach.
Read Stray dogs rule the roost in Pindi
Animal rights
On a broader note, renowned wildlife and animal behaviour expert, Dr Ijaz Ahmed, emphasised the imperative need to not just consider the well-being of animals as a moral obligation but as a fundamental right within our society.
He asserted that animals, like humans, experience pain and deserve to have their intrinsic rights acknowledged. In a call for a societal mindset shift, he urged the public to recognise the emotional capacity of animals and their right to coexist in human societies with dignity and respect.
“However, it’s disheartening to witness the widespread use of animals for entertainment, particularly in circuses and amusement parks,” he said.
Fading biodiversity
Expressing concern over the gradual disappearance of animal biodiversity in Pakistan, Dr Ahmed highlighted the alarming consequences of depleting jungle cover. As these natural habitats diminish, countless species face the threat of losing their homes.
He further said that the diminishing jungles also result in a decline in biodiversity, particularly affecting Pakistan's aquatic ecosystems. He emphasised the necessity of protecting aquatic animals, underscoring the importance of preserving their habitats for the benefit of future generations.
With additional input from APP
Published in The Express Tribune, January 9th, 2024.
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