SC judge for 'strict punishment'

Supreme Court Justice Ayesha Malik has called for "strict punishment" for those involved in animal cruelty, stressing that rabies should be controlled, but not through the culling of dogs.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day International Conference on Animal and Environmental Rights at a local hotel in Lahore on Saturday, Justice Ayesha stressed the need for strong measures to ensure animal welfare.

The session, attended by global experts, environmental activists, lawyers, and volunteers, aimed to highlight various aspects of animal and environmental rights.

In her address, Justice Ayesha advocated for "effective measures" to protect and ensure the welfare of animals in Pakistan. She noted that animals are a crucial part of the ecosystem, and praised organisations working towards animal rights, recognizing their commendable steps.

However, the judge pointed out that Pakistan's index on animal welfare needed significant improvement and called for the development and enforcement of regulations to combat animal cruelty. "Strict punishment for animal cruelty is essential," she said.

Justice Ayesha also pointed out the relationship between humans and animals was a natural creation. "Just as humans have basic rights such as access to food, clean air and water, these rights are equally essential for animals," she said.

Referring to the controversial culling of stray dogs, Justice Ayesha noted that during legal proceedings, authorities had failed to specify the law under which such actions were authorised.

She condemned the justification for killing dogs due to rabies, asserting that while the disease must be controlled, the approach should not involve killing the dogs.

"Instead of addressing rabies in stray dogs, efforts are being directed toward culling them," she said.

Justice Ayesha also pointed to the alarming conditions at Lahore's Tollinton Market, expressing dismay at the mistreatment of animals there. She stressed the need for a comprehensive legal framework to safeguard animal rights, noting the lack of a regulatory body to oversee their welfare.

She asserted that animals deserved freedom from thirst and suffering.

In her speech, Justice Ayesha suggested the establishment of one or more regulatory bodies for animal welfare, highlighting that committees focused on the environment and disaster management rarely took animal rights into account.

The conference's organizer, Advocate Altamush Saeed, founder of the Environmental and Animal Rights Organisation, remarked that animals in Pakistan were subjected to extreme cruelty.