Cruelty to Animals: A Reflection of Our Humanity

A heartbreaking incident recently took place in Chachro, Tharparkar, where a voiceless camel was allegedly blinded after its eyes were gouged out or so badly injured that it lost its sight. Its only "crime" was entering a field in search of food. The Chief Minister of Sindh immediately took notice of the incident, and the police arrested a few suspects. But an important question remains: will arrests alone stop such acts of cruelty?

The incident reminded me of something I witnessed nearly thirty or forty years ago.

A powerful landlord in Thatta owned a grand mansion where politicians, senior officials, tribal leaders, and influential people gathered every day. Servants were always busy attending to guests, and his wealth and influence impressed everyone.

One day, he was informed that a few donkeys had entered his banana orchard and were eating the crop. Blinded by anger, he ordered his workers to cut off the animals' legs up to their knees. The helpless donkeys suffered for weeks before finally dying from their injuries.

Life, however, has its own way of delivering justice. Some time later, the landlord himself passed away. One of his sons was murdered in a family feud, while another became addicted to heroin and sold the family's vast property for almost nothing. Within a few years, the magnificent mansion turned into a deserted ruin. The place that once symbolized power and pride became a place of silence.

Perhaps it was only a coincidence. But it still raises an important question: does cruelty ever truly go unanswered?

The truth is that animals usually cause harm for only two reasons. They are either hungry or trying to protect themselves. Humans, however, may kill out of anger, pride, entertainment, revenge, or simply to show power—and often without any regret.

Sadly, the recent camel incident in Tharparkar is not an isolated case.

Over the past several years, many cases of cruelty against camels have been reported in Sindh. In Sanghar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, and other districts, camels have had their legs cut off simply for entering farmland. Others have been badly injured or left to die from hunger and thirst. These incidents show how minor agricultural disputes can turn into acts of extreme brutality.

Nor is this problem limited to Sindh. Similar cases are regularly reported from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other parts of Pakistan. Dogs have been burned alive, while donkeys, horses, and other animals have been beaten and tortured. Each incident receives public attention for a few days, people express their anger on social media, and then everything is forgotten.

Our society often claims to love animals, but that love rarely goes beyond words. The Bollywood film PK also highlighted this hypocrisy. We speak proudly about religion, morality, and humanity, yet our treatment of weak and voiceless creatures often tells a different story.

In many developed countries, animal welfare is considered a social responsibility. Strong laws protect animals, rescue organizations provide care, and public awareness encourages kindness. In Pakistan, however, people who rescue injured animals, build shelters, or feed stray animals are often viewed as wasting their time, even though such compassion is the foundation of a civilized society.

The real issue is not only animal rights; it is the state of our collective morality. A society that cannot protect its weakest creatures gradually loses its sensitivity toward human suffering as well.

Pakistan has laws against animal cruelty, but they are rarely enforced. In rural areas, small disputes over land, crops, or grazing often become personal acts of revenge, with innocent animals becoming the victims.

It is time for strict enforcement of animal protection laws. Crimes against animals should carry stronger penalties. Public awareness campaigns should be launched, and kindness toward animals should be taught in schools and promoted throughout society.

The greatness of a society is not measured by its skyscrapers, highways, or economic growth. It is measured by how it treats its weakest and most vulnerable living beings. If we cannot show mercy, justice, and protection to animals, then perhaps it is time to question our own humanity.