Eid ul Azha and the Pakistanis absurdity
While I was browsing through a social media network during eid ul azha holidays I came across a highly deplorable video where it was shown that a cow which was designated for qurbani has been dropped in shear negligence from the clutches of a crane from a substantial height and instantly died on striking ground. Such kind of events and acts are common sights every year during the course of this sacred religious event. This act is reproduced below for the public and Muslim Pakistanis in particular to ponder:
What are the reasons behind this act of unchecked barbarism and brutality? There could be many explanations for such form of viciousness however one rational is very clear and that is taking and observing this religious event as a game and joyous pool of activities. It is needless to comment on the role of ulema and religious scholars on the subject. More important aspect of this issue is to build up awareness on the adoption of empathy and affinity with the pet and wild animals who are one of the incredible creatures of Allah subah- nau- tala. Secondly the lack of understanding of safety procedures in all courses of our daily lives has deteriorated our society to an unmitigated heap of blunders and distortions. We watch videos of young boys and men undertaking tours with sacrificial animals without any safety precautions within overtly populated lanes and crowded traffic roads. The cases of animals getting loose from their custodians and striking traffic or road commuters are common. In the wake of covid 19 pandemic the importance of devising SOPs to deal with such contingencies can never be over emphasized. These activities also require a study and analysis with diverse laws and rules to contain the damages and deterioration of precious lives and properties.
Law to curb cruelty against animals
The law which governs this act is called Prevention of cruelty act to animals 1890. Section 3 to 5 of this comprehensive law deals in detail with the type of act and the punishment destined for committing such an act. The problem remains that people are void of awareness to such laws and they consider it an unintentional mistake which may be pardoned or be taken lightly. This is not that simple because animals are living beings and have an equal right to be protected and nurtured in the best manner.
Solution to the problem
When we talk about the solution to any problem we come across the expenses involved in framing a plan or infrastructure involved to deal with the issue however in this case little or no expense is required. It is the responsibility of the buyer of the cattle to arrange for the space and breed stock for the cattle or sacrificial animal which is often shared between multiple owners therefore very little burden is indebted to the buyer of the cattle. The detours of sacrificial animals should be prohibited forthwith and any violation to these instructions would be dealt with the above quoted provision of law with severe consequences.
The necessary help line must be established by the government agencies to guide people for adoption of necessary precautions and availability of resources to minimize such incidents.
The end of the story
I can write multiple pages on the subject however the crux of the matter is to learn the safety procedures in dealing with routine problems of diverse nature. Contact persons and consultants must be approached to find out the solutions and adopt the best ways within the ambit of our social, religious and moral society structure.
The writer is a retired Air force officer who has a passion for reading and aims to pen down his thoughts with this beginning.