A video of Kashif Zameer beating his pet lion has gone viral on social media.
JFK Animal Rescue and Shelter shared the video of Zameer beating his pet lion as two women stand on the side and watch him.
Sharing the video, the animal rights body questioned why regular citizens are allowed licenses to keep such exotic and wild animals as pets in their homes.
Earlier this month a video of a man torturing a lion cub had gone viral on social media. Pakistan’s relaxed wildlife laws and the ability for everyone to secure a license allows such distressing acts to take place.
Lawyer and activist Hassaan Niazi commenting under JFK’s tweet said that he working with the wildlife and law ministry to introduce stricter laws for animal abuse.
Working with wild life and law ministry – let’s see what happens. Punjab law is pathetic
Zameer has remained a controversial figure in Pakistan ever since he hostedDiriliş: Ertuğrul star Engin Altan Düzyatan in Lahore and later duped him. While Zameer initially trashed the rumours saying that Engin had assured him that the deal will not be disbanded, Düzyatan, in a statement on February 16 said, that he no longer represents Zameer’s Chaudhry Group of Industries as brand ambassador.
Meanwhile, in February Zameer was also accused of attempting to kidnap YouTuber Ali Virk.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has honoured billionaire lifestyle guru Kim Kardashian’s “dairy-free diet” by naming a cow after her.
“For Mother’s Day, PETA India names rescued mother cow ‘Kim Kowdashian’ after reality TV star Kim Kardashian,” tweeted the animal rights advocate’s India branch.
“Thanks for promoting a dairy-free diet Kim,” it added.
For mothers day, PETA India names rescued mother cow “Kim Kowdashian” after reality TV star Kim Kardashian.
In a statement, PETA India said that they wanted to “thank the mother of four for showing compassion to mums of all species by promoting a dairy-free diet to her more than 200 million followers.”
The bovine, which was described as having “striking eyes and long, dark eyelashes” was chosen as she is just like her 40-year-old celebrity namesake.
‘Kim Kowdashian’ was reportedly rescued by a PETA-approved sanctuary after the animal rights boy caught her being abused on the streets by her former owner.
Meanwhile, Kardashian has been very vocal about her no-meat, nearly vegan lifestyle. She is also believed to have converted three family members, including sister Kourtney, to a plant-based diet.
Earlier this year in February, Kim posted an Instagram picture in which she flaunted her chiseled abs.
“Plant based does a body good,” she captioned the post.
A man has been caught beating a lion cub on camera. In a video that is being widely circulated on social media, the man named Saad can be seen beating the young cub while dragging him with a chain. The cub’s heartwrenching cries can also be heard in the video.
The video sparked outrage on social media with several prominent personalities including Fatima Bhutto demanding the cub be rescued by authorities. Lahore-based JFK Animal Rescue And Shelter has also urged the government to stop licensing wild animals to individuals privately, saying that every third person in Pakistan now owns a lion as a pet.
The animal rescue service also initiated an online petition for this purpose and urged people to raise their voices for these animals. According to JFK, by owning a licence in Pakistan you can buy, sell or import lions and tigers and do whatever you want to do to them. In the recent past, multiple cases of animal abuse and violation have been reported.
The animal rights organisation also explained that lion and tiger owners, declaw them, beat them, cage them, take their teeth out and later use them for breeding where they open entire breeding farms and then sell the cubs for money.
“Once anybody gets the license there is no check and balance, and every other person is allowed to do all sorts of evil things to these wild animals behind closed walls. Many also torture them for TikTok and social media videos,” reads the petition.
“Many times lions are used as props and kept as slaves. People deprive them of their natural habitats and give them a miserable life. We have seen multiple cases of this abuse in a single year and now we want to deal with the root cause which is these licences, these licenses should be cancelled and there should be a complete ban on owning wild animals as pets,” it adds.
Fatima Bhutto also requested her followers to sign the petition and urged the government to rescue such wild animals from captivity.
Meanwhile, lawyers Ahmad Pansota and Hassaan Khan Niazi have taken up the case and have promised to file a petition before the court on the matter.
The lion cub abuse case has been taken up by Hassan niazi who will be fighting it and Muhammad Ahmad Pansota who is filing a petition against the license that lets you keep wild animals as pets. Please continue praying and supporting @GFarooqi@GFarooqi@Pansota1@petapic.twitter.com/o8qI6W3ijA
— JFK Animal Rescue And Shelter (@jfkshelter) May 3, 2021
The Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has slapped a fine of Rs 500,000 to Express Entertainment’s celebrity talk show Time Out with Ahsan Khan for using animals as props.
Lawyer Faizullah Khan Niazi, who filed a “self-explanatory” complaint before the regulatory body on behalf of Santia Gulzar against the TV channel and show announced PEMRA’s decision on social media and shared a copy of the order.
“PEMRA saw fit to accept my arguments and impose a fine on Express Entertainment for using animals as props for the purposes of entertainment in its show Time Out with Ahsan Khan,” wrote Niazi on Twitter.
“The Council of Complaints (CoC) [in it’s 106th meeting] upheld the rights of animals and stopped unnecessary pain and suffering being caused to them,” added the lawyer.
“The Council after hearing the matter was of the considered view that the treatment towards animals in this specific show caused unnecessary pain and suffering to the animals used as props in the show. Subjugating animals to such uncalled-for treatment is clearly prohibited under Article 4 and Article 9 of the Constitution of Pakistan,” read PEMRA’s order.
Abuzar Khan Niazi, who is a Managing Partner at Lahore-based Crown Law Chambers also shared the judgment on social media, saying that the “treatment metted out to rabbits has been declared illegal and unconstitutional”.
We filed complaint against Express Entertainment in PEMRA, Council of Complaints for using rabbits as Props in their show. Today, we have won the case, rs 500,000 fine has been imposed on channel. Treatment metted out to rabbits has been declared to be ilegal and unconstitutional pic.twitter.com/hIyLgstVuU
Chairperson Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Punjab and a Spokesperson of the Punjab Government Sarah Ahmad hailed the decision, calling it a “landmark judgement on animal rights”.
Council of Complaints, Lahore headed by @pansota1 passed a landmark judgment on animal rights which by all means was a case of first impression before any forum. Licensee was fined Rs.500,00/- for subjecting the animals to unnecessary pain and suffering.
Earlier in March, Crown Chambers had filed a complaint before PEMRA against Express Entertainment and the show for using animals as props.
“The captioned TV show has broadcasted insensitive and reckless content committing negligence and cruelty towards animals by subjecting them to unnecessary suffering and thereby, also mentally disturbing the general public at large,” the complaint had read.
For one of its segments, Time Out with Ahsan Khan used rabbits as props. The segment features a series of multiple-choice questions and if the celebrity answers a question incorrectly, a rabbit is placed on their lap. While some may see this as a harmless act, celebrities like Maya Ali were seen screaming out of fear. The complainant felt that this causes distress to the animal and accounts as animal cruelty.
Meanwhile, Ahsan Khan while speaking exclusively to The Current responded to the controversy, saying: “Let me clarify. These rabbits are basically pets and the person who owns them brings them to the set. When they are on set, we make sure that they are well-fed and taken care of and are not facing any issues. They are not uncomfortable at all. The person whose pets they are keeps them indoors and they are very easy to play with.”
“Araam say haathon main aa jaatay hain,” explained Khan.
The actor then said that being a pet lover he is very careful with the animals on set and cares for them.
“I myself am a pet lover,” said Ahsan. “I have dogs at home. I have cats. I also have parrots and hens and they are all like my own children. We try to provide them with comfortable environments. So naturally, we are very careful with the animals – all of us on set.”
He further said that after the show invited backlash for “using animals as props,” he and his producer decided to avoid it.
“My producer and I thought that if this is hurting people and they are not liking it, then we can avoid it. So we have cut out the segment in the last three to four episodes we’ve recorded,” stated Ahsan, clarifying that the ones which included the animals were shot before.
“Although this segment is one of my favourites because this is the only one in which we discuss general knowledge, which not only educates my guests but also those who are watching the show. Whoever gives a wrong answer has to hold the pet in their lap,” he shared. It is pertinent to add here that the male guests usually enjoy petting the animals but the female guests are scared of them and often jump around screaming when asked to hold them.
“We on our end have been very careful with handling them, but if some people don’t like it then we, including my producers and all can apologise to them,” concluded Khan. “It’s a mutual thing. If something is not right, we should look into it.”
The Lahore Zoo administration has decided to euthanise a pair of lions because they are suffering from a terminal illness.
According to reports, the administration considering their health conditions has decided to put them to rest, as the pair has reached their maximum age limit.
“Both of them are ill from the past several days and could not be treated or cured,” said an official of the zoo, adding that x-ray and ultrasound reports of the pair present proof of their poor health conditions.
The official further said that “a tiger, brown bear and a zebra are also suffering from a crippling disease and a decision to euthanise them will be taken in the next meeting.”
Earlier, in February, two white tigers cubs aged three months died in Lahore Zoo. They were reportedly suffering from COVID-19.
Meanwhile, this is not the first incident of mistreatment of animals by zoo authorities in Pakistan. In December 2020, Peshawar Zoo lost its fourth giraffe in 2020, just a few days after a black bear’s death.
On the other hand, Islamabad’s Marghazar Zoo — which drew international condemnation for its treatment of lonely elephant Kaavan — shut down in December 2020 after its final occupants Babloo and Suzie were relocated to Jordan.
A resident of Defence Housing Authority (DHA), Karachi Mehak Taherani has accused security officials of the private housing society of shooting dead her pet dog outside her house.
“My puppy was shot dead by DHA outside my house,” said Mehak on Instagram. “Her name was Kobe.”
Sharing details of the incident, Mehak, in a video, said: “My six-month-old dog was shot dead by DHA [police]. She was out doing her business in the morning [when she was shot] even though the guards of my street told the police that this is a house pet. Yet they shot her. Not once, but three times.”
“I don’t understand why this happened or what she did to deserve such a thing,” said a visibly distressed Mehak in the video.
Mehak further said that she will be filling a case against the police of the private housing authority, adding that she does not know how far this case will go.
“The whole street knew her,” shared Mehak. “She slept right outside our house in a dog bed and was extremely friendly with everyone who came by.”
“It is not okay that any agency of anywhere gets to get away with this,” remarked the resident. “I am shocked at the inhumanity in our country and its people. They [dogs] are scared of you, you do not need to feel threatened.”
“What if he was a German Shepherd? Would it have been shot?,” questioned Mehak. “Probably not.”
Soon after the video started doing the rounds on social media, several celebrities including Hania Aamir and Yasir Hussain condemned the brutal killing of the dog.
Sharing Mehak’s video, Hania said: “She’s right. If it was a pure bred dog this would have never happened.”
“Stop killing stray dogs,” she asserted.
Meanwhile, several journalists and social media users also condemned the incident and urged authorities to take notice.
Stop killing stray dogs, Pakistan. If you lack kindness, STOP in the fear of the curse of the bezubaan. Shooting & poisoning stray dogs that can be caught, neutered, vaccinated & freed are stark signs of human propensity to unleash violence on weaker beings.
Men in black clothes are going around shooting dogs in DHA, Karachi. Including at least one pet, after being told its a pet. One dog was shot multiple times and was in excruciating pain. Vaccinated and collared dogs being shot too. @AliHZaidiPTI@ImranKhanPTI , @MuradAliShahPPP
This is an absolute disgrace and these people need to be brought to justice. @ArifAlvi this is your constituency. Sort it out, Mr. President. https://t.co/KWPz98Jtei
Two white tigers cubs aged 3 months have died in Lahore Zoo, Geo News has reported.
According to Director Lahore Zoo Chaudhry Shafqat, the cubs died because the mother could not take proper care of them. The director said the tigress gave birth to three cubs and while one died during the birth, “the remaining two cubs were sick for the past two months”.
On the other hand, another report has claimed that the caretakers of the tiger cubs were not able to take proper care of the animals due to shortage of funds resulting in their death.
This is not the first incident of mistreatment of animals by zoo authorities.
Two months ago Peshawar Zoolost its fourth giraffe in 2020, just a few days after a black bear’s alleged death.
Islamabad zoo shuts down after last animals moved
Meanwhile, Islamabad’s Marghazar Zoo — which drew international condemnation for its treatment of lonely elephant Kaavan — shut down in December 2020 after its final occupants Babloo and Suzie were relocated to Jordan.
The two Himalayan bears were the last to leave the Islamabad facility, almost three weeks after the country’s only Asian elephant was flown to a wildlife sanctuary in Cambodia.
Seven rare deer were reported dead in Bahawalpur Zoo on Saturday.
According to reports, it is suspected that the animals died after eating poisonous fodder. At least 12 other deer at the zoo are in critical condition.
The deer who died were of a rare breed.
The zoo management claimed that dozens of deer suddenly started falling ill. Seven of them died within a short period after falling ill while 22 were rescued and treated.
“12 are still in critical condition,” added the management.
According to the administration, the cause of the deaths has not yet been ascertained. Their samples have been sent to Lahore for further investigation.
The Bahawalpur Zoo curator said the cause of death will only be known after an autopsy.
With little legislation to safeguard animal welfare, zoos across Pakistan are notorious for their poor conditions. Recently, the Peshawar Zoo lost its fourth giraffe in 2020, just a few days after a black bear’s alleged death. Similarly, the Sindh High Court, earlier this week ordered the Karachi Zoo management to shift Rano from her 25-foot wide Victorian ‘grotto’ pit to another open cage.
The Sindh High Court has ordered the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and Karachi Zoo administration to shift Rano from her 25-foot wide Victorian ‘grotto’ pit to another open cage, reportedly 500 times bigger than her current enclosure.
According to a report in Samaa News, the court ordered authorities to immediately shift the 20-year-old Syrian brown bear, who has been living a solitary life for the last three years. The instructions, recommended by a five-member team formed to evaluate the condition of the bear and the zoo, were passed on an interim basis until a final decision is taken.
It has been reported that the new cage is spread over 2,100 square feet and is on ground level, unlike her previous enclosure which was an underground pit. However, it too requires some improvisations.
@spar_pk speaking after court hearing on Rano. As an interim measure, while the lawyers from the Sindh Govt asked for more time, @spar_pk lawyers pushed and got an order to relocate Rano immediately to an adjacent space which is an above ground cage, pic.twitter.com/xwWBrSr9vE
Rano’s plight had sparked nationwide protests in the summer following which 38 people signed a petition filed in the Sindh High Court by Barrister Mohsin Shahwani on October 1, 2020. In the application, the petitioners had highlighted the animal’s plight and had alleged that the bear was not being well taken care of and was not being fed on time. The petition has demanded Rano be sent back to Skardu so that she can be among her own.
In the successive hearing on October 5, the court had instructed KMC to install an air-cooler inside Rano’s enclosure to provide her some relief. It also ordered authorities to present the zoo’s budget and details of details, expressing anger over the fact that there was only one doctor for all animals at the zoo.
According to animal experts, Rano is suffering from emotional and psychological distress which is why she is often seen panting heavily and roaming in circles. The Society for the Protection of Animal Rights (SPAR) is hopeful that Rano, in her new temporary cage, is able to move around easily, explore and play with items of an enrichment program, be able to see zoo activities, birds, trees and other animals and have a less lonely, stressed life.
For now.Till the next hearing.We will follow up with the Karachi Zoo management to ensure the new space is as per her needs,as defined in the report we submitted which was discussed in court today along with the reports of the previous court appointed committee. Source @spar_pk
Meanwhile, Islamabad’s Marghazar Zoo — which drew international condemnation for its treatment of lonely elephant Kaavan — shut down on December 16 after its final occupants Babloo and Suzie were relocated to a sanctuary inJordan.
As per details, the Himalayan brown bears suffer from psychological problems due to living in a substandard enclosure, with the female Suzie undergoing major surgery in the summer after a tumour was removed from her chest. Local vets were unable to stitch up seven inches open cut in the centre of her chest and she developed an infection. Four Paws vets, who arrived in August, operated on Suzie again and cleaned the infected wound. This was also the reason why sanctuaries within Pakistan refused to take them in.
“She is now recovering and healthy. Both bears are doing well physically now that we have put them on a better nutritional diet of fruits and vegetables. Suzie had diarrhoea all the time because she was mostly fed milk,” a spokesperson for Four Paws, Marion Lombard had told local media outlets.
Several celebrities including Hamza Ali Abbasi and Mehwish Hayat have called for zoos across the country to be shut down given the mistreatment of animals there.
