LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued notices to the Punjab Wildlife Department and other relevant authorities over the inhumane treatment of wild animals in private zoos and traveling circuses. This follows a public interest petition filed by the Environmental & Animal Rights Consultants (EARC), highlighting the cruel captivity of wild animals like lions, leopards, and bears in cramped cages, often displayed in recreational parks and roadside circuses.
The petition, filed by EARC Director and senior lawyer Advocate Altmash Saeed, criticized the degrading conditions that deprive these animals of their natural behaviors and expose them to unbearable heat. The petition also pointed out that such practices violate the Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act.
Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh, after taking cognizance of the matter, directed provincial authorities to inspect the identified facilities and submit detailed reports. He emphasized that wild animals are not entertainment objects but living beings deserving humane treatment.
The petition calls for a constitutional ban on the private captivity of wild animals and their relocation to certified sanctuaries where they can recover from psychological harm. Advocate Saeed praised the court’s action, describing it as a significant step for animal rights in Pakistan and a move towards enforcing the law and granting dignity to voiceless creatures.
