!http://photos11.flickr.com/15040031_fcb86eb7e9_m.jpg! It has come to our notice that ‘freshwater turtles in the Punjab are being brutally massacred’:http://www.dawn.com/2005/05/21/nat31.htm for profit at a scale that puts their very existence at risk. Not only is their killing being carried out in an extremely brutal fashion, there is absolutely no check on the numbers that are being lost daily and how this must be impacting the biodiversity of the river systems.
!http://photos12.flickr.com/15040030_a6512bb16e_o.jpg! The Punjab Wildlife Department’s nonchalant response to this crisis proves them unworthy custodians of wildlife in the Punjab. Instead of waiting for legislation to arm them with a right to action they should be actively formulating laws and stretching definitions that would allow them to fulfill their responsibilities. If nothing else, Pakistan’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act is sufficient authority to put a stop to this.
Turtles are one of the oldest continuing species on this planet, representing over 200 million years of evolutionary history. Their populations should be protected and valued as a national natural heritage.
We [the undersigned] demand that this senseless violence come to an end immediately, that the perpetrators be arrested and fined and the relevant departments made to carry out their mandates.
Pakistan Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
www.pawspakistan.org
1. Maheen Zia (PAWS)
Filmmaker / Teacher, Karachi
Mahera Omar
This is one of the worst forms of animal cruelty I have come across. I was astonished to read the poacher’s justification for doing this to the turtles “valueless creatures!”
Animals have as much right to be here as humans and form an integral part of the ecosystem, perhaps even more so than humans.
Also, I was horrified at the fact that the Punjab Wildlife Department’s Mian Mohammed Abbas gave this man permission and the another department turned a blind eye.
I would like to see this cruelty stop and the respect restored for the turtle.
The killing of these innocent animals is cruel and senseless. These turtles are living creatures as well and do not deserve to be killed like this. I am in shock that the killing of these turtles has been permitted. The killings should be stopped at once. People should realize that turtles have a life as well.
There is so much violence in our society because many people do not value life itself. Protecting and caring for the welfare of animals teaches us how to co-exist with other living creatures. People who are compassionate towards animals and protect other fragile life– which can so easily be destroyed– that co-habits their environment are a lot less likely to harm or hurt other human beings. Also, people who care for animals are generally a lot more open to diversity and are a lot more tolerant of people different from themselves. These are the cornerstones of a peaceful and tolerant society.
There should be a program or programs put in place to educate children from a young age about this.
Turtles are the most harmless creatures on earth – they are in no way a danger to human life – and every animal’s life should be valued – if they were valueless why would God have put them on the face of earth? The Punjab Government needs to put a stop IMMEDIATELY to this senseless and cruel act.
this is sick. how can people be so cruel. and the worst is that the government just does not care – the people who are supposed to be protectors are themselves the perpetrators of this crime. by turning a blind eye they are party to this crime.
all God’s creatures are important and this needless cruelty just goes to show how depraved our society has become, where we do not care for any living creature – animal or human.
this is sick. how can people be so cruel? and the worst is that the government just does not care – the people who are supposed to be protectors are themselves the perpetrators of this crime. by turning a blind eye they are party to this crime.
all God’s creatures are important and this needless cruelty just goes to show how depraved our society has become, where we do not care for any living creature – animal or human.
Senseless, needless meddling with nature; it’s disgusting how the government- and us- let these people get away with ruining our future.