Rethinking Animal Culling in Pakistan
Across Pakistan, stray dogs and cats have become a significant public policy concern, with animal culling often perceived as a solution to manage their rapidly growing populations. However, the widespread killing of stray dogs highlights not only governmental shortcomings in upholding and validating animal rights but also undermines societal virtue, raising critical questions about the Pakistani government’s ability to uphold democratic principles. This ongoing predicament reveals a significant gap between the core tenets of democratic governance and the formulation of sustainable policies that respect all life on land, as outlined in SDG 15 under the 2030 Agenda.
In Pakistan, the estimated population of stray dogs is around 3 million, primarily concentrated in urban areas. With such a vast number, over one million dog bites and attacks are reported annually. Government policies and administrative measures to control this growing population often involve inhumane practices such as poisoning, gassing, shooting, stunning, and euthanasia.
According to a report by an animal rights society, the incidence of rabies in Karachi stands at approximately 9.6 per million, while the national figure is around 17 per million. Hospitals receive over 100 dog bite cases each month, prompting a widespread expert consensus supporting animal culling on public health grounds. While the need to address rabies is legitimate, culling fails to tackle the root causes of the issue.
The killing of stray animals not only exposes a failure to provide adequate protection for these beings but also reflects a broader disregard for the principles that underpin democratic governance—principles that ideally encompass the welfare of the entire ecosystem, integrating both human and animal lives.
A fundamental tenet of democratic governance, as articulated by John Stuart Mill, states that individuals are entitled to the maximum rights possible, provided they do not infringe upon the rights of others. This principle can be extended to include the rights of animals, arguing that their interests deserve consideration within the broader socio-political framework.
Moreover, the practice of culling stray animals directly contradicts Islamic teachings, particularly those attributed to Hazrat Omar (R.A), the second Caliph of Islam. His renowned statement,
“If a dog dies hungry on the banks of the Euphrates, Omar will be responsible for the dereliction of duty,”
underscores the profound moral responsibility owed to all living beings. As a nation rooted in Islamic ideology, Pakistan has the potential to extend compassion and mercy in governance—both to humans and animals—by implementing legislation aligned with Islamic principles.
The killing of animals reveals a form of governmental negligence where animal lives are seen as expendable in the pursuit of order. Furthermore, the disconnect between human and animal rights is evident. A society’s treatment of animals often serves as a litmus test for its commitment to integrity and ethical conduct.
The dehumanization of one group is often mirrored in the mistreatment of another. Animal culling reflects a society that has failed in its duty to protect the vulnerable and marginalized—a sobering indictment of democratic governance and its inconsistent implementation in Pakistan.
Nevertheless, hope and optimism persist. The plight of stray animals remains a pressing concern for animal rights scholars, NGOs, and activists, sparking a growing movement for change. Organizations like the Pakistan Animal Welfare Society, Society for the Protection of Animal Rights, and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are promoting humane alternatives such as spaying, sheltering, and public education. Their tireless efforts are amplified by rising public awareness, often fueled by social media campaigns that expose the harsh realities of mass culling.
Animal culling presents an ethical dilemma for Pakistan, demanding swift and comprehensive action. Governmental responsibility toward societal welfare must go beyond human-centric policies. Compassion and kindness toward animals are equally essential. By embodying empathy—a core principle of both Islamic teachings and democratic governance—Pakistan can foster a culture of compassion and humanity, ensuring that even the voiceless members of society are given the care and dignity they deserve.
The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Spine Times.
Farwa Gohar
The writer is a passionate development scholar and public policy student at Bahria University, Islamabad, advocating for gender equality, sustainability, animal rights, and inclusive governance in Pakistan.
