Action ordered against animal cruelty in Peshawar markets

Commissioner orders immediate inspections and enforcement under new Animal Welfare Act

PESHAWAR:

Peshawar Division Commissioner Riaz Khan Mahsud took strong notice on Monday of reports of cruel treatment of animals in several city areas and directed relevant authorities to launch immediate action against violators.

The move followed a complaint lodged by animal rights activist and social worker Lubna Tajik, who highlighted severe mistreatment at animal trading spots in Kohati Chowk, Gulbahar and Bacha Khan Chowk. According to the complaint, some traders and individuals were found engaging in extreme cruelty, including cropping dogs’ ears for specific purposes, an act described as inhumane and punishable under law.

Taking swift cognizance of the matter, Commissioner Mahsud convened a high-level meeting in his office, attended by Peshawar Assistant Commissioner Zeeshan Najeeb, along with senior officials from the Livestock Department and Wildlife Department.

During the meeting, the commissioner instructed the assistant commissioner to conduct urgent inspections of animal trading shops in the identified areas, in collaboration with livestock and wildlife officials. He emphasised strict legal action against those found guilty of cruelty, invoking the provisions of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Animal Welfare Act, 2024, a landmark provincial law enacted recently to replace outdated colonial-era legislation and impose penalties, including imprisonment and fines for acts of animal abuse.

Further directives included organising a joint meeting with animal traders and departmental officers to formulate comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) for regulating animal handling, trading and care practices to prevent future incidents of cruelty.

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The commissioner also called for launching public awareness campaigns to educate citizens and those involved in animal trade about humane treatment obligations, urging them to refrain from inhumane practices.

All concerned officials were directed to submit a detailed report on actions taken within 72 hours.

The intervention underscored growing administrative resolve to enforce modern animal welfare standards, aligning with the province’s new legal framework that seeks to curb unnecessary suffering inflicted on animals.