Brutal Attack on Camel in Pakistan Sparks Outrage and Legal Action
A disturbing incident in Sanghar district, Sindh province, Pakistan, has brought attention to animal cruelty and the plight of camel owners. Here's a detailed breakdown of the events:
The Incident:
- On June 13th, a farmer allegedly caught a camel straying onto his land and eating crops.
- Enraged, the farmer, with the help of four accomplices, is accused of severing the camel's front leg, leaving it to die in the field.
The Camel's Fight for Survival:
- Concerned villagers discovered the injured camel and alerted its owner, Somar Khan Bahen.
- Somar brought the camel home, where it miraculously survived despite the severe injury.
- Footage captured the camel's pain as Somar and volunteers searched for it. The right front leg was severed at the joint, with significant swelling around the wound.
Seeking Justice:
- Devastated by the attack, Somar expressed his bewilderment at the cruelty inflicted on his camel.
- Mangli police identified the farmer and another man as initial suspects, with three more added later. All five were arrested on June 15th.
Resolution and Legal Repercussions:
- Local media reported an attempt to settle the matter between the farmer and Somar, but Sindh's Senior Minister confirmed a registered case against the accused.
- The Minister emphasized that arrests were made for the camel's leg amputation.
- Sindh's Governor intervened, ordering two camels to be given to Somar and veterinary care for the injured animal.
Pakistan's Animal Cruelty Laws:
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA) of 1890 outlines penalties for animal cruelty violations.
- Fines and imprisonment vary depending on the offense's severity.
- Killing an animal cruelly can lead to a fine of up to 200 PKR (roughly $1.20 USD) and/or six months in prison.
- More serious offenses, like killing or maiming a valuable animal, can result in up to two years imprisonment, a fine, or both.
The Significance of Camels in Sindh:
- Sindh's arid climate and terrain make it ideal for camels, integral to the province's way of life for centuries.
- Camels serve various purposes, including transportation, carrying goods, and milk production.
This incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of animal cruelty laws in Pakistan and raising awareness about the importance of treating animals with compassion. Somar's camel's resilience and the intervention of authorities offer a glimmer of hope for animal welfare in the region.