Commissioner orders immediate inspections and enforcement under new animal welfare law
According to the complaint, some merchants and individuals engaged in acts of extreme cruelty, including cutting off dogs’ ears for specific purposes, an act described as inhumane and punishable by law. PHOTO: PIXABAY
PESHAWAR:
Peshawar Divisional Commissioner Riaz Khan Mahsud on Monday took note of reports of cruel treatment of animals in several areas of the city and directed the relevant authorities to initiate immediate action against the violators.
The move follows a complaint filed by Lubna Tajik, an animal rights activist and social worker, who highlighted serious mistreatment at animal trading venues in Kohati Chowk, Gulbahar and Bacha Khan Chowk. According to the complaint, some merchants and individuals engaged in acts of extreme cruelty, including cutting off dogs’ ears for specific purposes, an act described as inhumane and punishable by law.
Taking prompt cognizance of the matter, Commissioner Mahsud convened a high-level meeting in his office, which was attended by Peshawar Deputy Commissioner Zeeshan Najeeb and senior officials of the Animal Husbandry Department and Wildlife Department.
During the meeting, the commissioner directed the deputy commissioner to carry out urgent inspections of animal trading shops in the identified areas, in collaboration with animal husbandry and wildlife officials. He emphasized strict legal action against those found guilty of cruelty, invoking provisions of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Animal Welfare Act, 2024, a landmark provincial law passed recently to replace outdated colonial-era legislation and impose penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for acts of animal abuse.
Other directives included holding a joint meeting with animal traders and officers of the department to formulate comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) to regulate animal handling, trade and care practices to prevent future incidents of cruelty.
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The commissioner also called for the launch of public awareness campaigns to educate citizens and those involved in the animal trade on humane treatment obligations, urging them to refrain from inhumane practices.
All relevant officials have been asked to submit a detailed report on the measures taken within 72 hours.
The intervention highlighted the growing administrative determination to uphold modern animal welfare standards, aligning with the province’s new legal framework that seeks to reduce unnecessary suffering inflicted on animals.
