PAWS partnered with Thardeep Rural Development Programme (TRDP) to identify 68 beneficiaries in 22 villages of District Jamshoro in Sindh. These beneficiaries were widowed women who were heads of their households. The gift of a goat provided them with ongoing income for their families through the sale of milk, ghee, meat and kids, as well as supplemented their own diet and agriculture.

Funding for the project was made possible through generous donations by individuals to PAWS. The goats were procured by TRDP through a purchasing committee which sought quotations, evaluated them and purchased from the lowest bidder. A veterinary doctor verified the health of the goats, after which TRDP delivered the goats to the recipients along with fodder for two months.

In return the women agreed to report about the health of their goats in their monthly village meetings, and promised to get their children enrolled in school from the additional income generated. They also agreed to not sell their goats for at least a year.

A detailed report from TRDP is online here:

Trdp Paws Report

Link to the campaign is up here.

As a result of the success of this campaign, and in light of the additional flooding of 2011 caused by torrential rains, PAWS has decided to make this a year-long collection. You may make a goat donation here.

Who was Richmond Crawford? Who was Lady Nanette Constantine? What is PAWS? Well, all of them have one thing in common. They were/are fond of animals and represent different generations which carried the flag for our ‘agreeable friends’ in Karachi. Let’s talk about them one by one.

More here.

The most important thing to know about spaying and neutering is that it saves lives. In every community in every U.S. state, there are animals sitting in animal shelters waiting for homes. Only about half of those dogs and cats will ever get one. The other half will be euthanized.
Making the decision to spay or neuter your pet means fewer pets—pets as sweet, loving, healthy, and deserving of companionship as your own—will be euthanized for lack of a home.

More here.

Meeting called by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation
Karachi Zoo Management
District Commissioner House, Karachi
Thursday, December 1, 2011

Participants:

KMC Administrator Muhammad Hussain Syed (MHS)

Dr. Kazim Hussain
Veterinarian and Acting Director, Karachi Zoo

Uzma Khan (UK)
Member, Management Committee, Lahore Zoo
Biodiversity Director, World Wildlife Fund (WWF-Pakistan)

Rab Nawaz (RN)
Director, Indus Ecoregion Programme, World Wildlife Fund (WWF-Pakistan)

Umeed Khalid
Conservator Wildlife, National Council for Conservation of Wildlife (NCCW)

Mahera Omar (MO)
Maheen Zia (MZ)
Co-Founders, Pakistan Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

Madiha Javed (MJ)
Express Television

Minutes of the Meeting:

A management committee for the Karachi Zoo will be set up to oversee its policy matters and finances. The zoo should be an independent body with its own Board of Directors. Currently, it is under the management of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, and so does not have the authority in the running of its own affairs. The zoo also needs a full-time director as it is the veterinarian who is filling in as director temporarily. A consultant can be hired to make plans for upgrading the facilities at the zoo. (MHS)

It is important to understand why zoos exist in the first place. Their role is education, and not conservation. WWF can help Karachi Zoo set up an education program which would include developing educational materials and providing training for its staff. Generally, the Karachi Zoo is considered to be more of a picnic spot, with no emphasis on creating awareness about the importance of conserving wildlife in their own habitats. WWF would be happy to hire an education officer for the zoo. The Lahore Zoo and Safari have a master plan. There is a need to develop such a vision for the Karachi Zoo as well. (UK)

We should focus on local species and try to create more awareness about their conservation, rather than acquiring more and more foreign species. In addition, any animal that is acquired must be from one zoo to another, and not from an animal dealer. (RN)

Last year the zoo earned an income of Rupees 2 crore and 30 lakhs. But since the funds are not under the zoo’s control, it’s requirements are not able to be fulfilled. (KH)

Lahore Zoo has its own bank account. There is transparency in their management since the committee has to approve any expenditure before the funds are utilized. Once such a system is in place in Karachi as well, then one can move forward with better zoo management. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) provides guidelines and support to zoos about “animal care and welfare, conservation of biodiversity, environmental education and global sustainability”. Members of the WAZA network are obliged to comply with their code of ethics, and such an organisation is a great resource for the Karachi Zoo. (UK)

The National Council for Conservation of Wildlife (NCCW) is responsible for issuing No Objection Certificates before any private party trade in wildlife. Certain international conventions, such as CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, aims to ensure that “international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.” Pakistan is a signatory to this convention, and therefore must not illegally acquire animals from the wild for any of its zoos. (Umeed Khalid)

In an ideal world, there would be no zoos. Wild animals belong in the wild and not meant to lead a life in captivity. Captive animals, especially those kept in inhumane conditions, send a wrong message to zoo visitors. This message is enforced most strongly amongst young children, who then grow up to believe its okay to cage wild animals. A prime example is the barren, tiled enclosures of the indigenous fishing cats that are kept in solitary confinement. Their enclosures bear no resemblance to their natural wetland habitat. The focus of being able to see wild animals up close should be on the importance of protecting their original habitats, which are fast depleting in Pakistan. Capturing wild animals from their natural habitats, and separating the young from their mothers, as in the case of the 4 baby elephants, is another practice which the Karachi Zoo must not condone. (MZ)

It is important to use this opportunity to introduce better zoo management practices and upgrade the existing facilities, so that the right kind of message be sent out to our future generations. At the same time, it is also important to remember our city animals and revive the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), so that the system of animal inspectors is once again initiated and a humane stray dog management strategy is implemented. (MO)

Not every initiative requires funds. Social media, such as facebook, can be used to engage the public and create awareness about protecting wild animals and their habitats. Learning from the successful example of the Mohatta Palace Museum, perhaps the Karachi Zoo could also be managed as a public-private sector partnership. (MJ)

It was jointly decided that a follow up meeting will be held soon.

The severe aftermath of the devastating floods in Pakistan continues, while the Vets Care Organization also keeps up its efforts for the well-being of the affected animals.

More here.

Thought I should share with you guys one of the best and most heartwarming experiences an animal lover could ever have!

The moment PAWS put up a notice on its website and facebook page calling out for volunteers at the PAWS stall in the Dawn LifeStyle Exhibition November 2010, I knew I had to be there! There were no second thoughts about it! So I, my sister and a couple of friends signed up for this wonderful opportunity and it was one of the best experiences we have ever had.

The idea behind the PAWS stall was two-fold. 1- to collect donations for the flood affected animals and animals in general by selling PAWS merchandise and 2- to educate people about what PAWS is and does.

We met genuine animal lovers from far and wide both in the form of volunteers as well as enthusiastic customers. Some of the highlights of the two days that we volunteered for were:

. getting into an argument with our neighbor stall as they were supporting a cause we were against- not only had they caged animals whose otherwise natural habitat is the wild or the big blue sky but they were also using the animals as levers to jack up their sales allowing people to use flash photography around the poor creatures and touching and poking them and shoving their little kids in the birds’ faces to the point that the birds started exhibiting neurotic behavior and started acting weird to which the stall owner said “yeh tou khush hora hai isliye dance ker raha hai!”

. meeting an aged lady on day 1 who came all the way from the U.K to meet PAWS and only PAWS at the Expo. she was our most generous customer and not only purchased a huge portion of our merchandise but left lots of prayers and well wishes with us as she felt that no other organization is doing as brilliant of a job for animals in Pakistan as PAWS is.

. meeting a small, cute, adorable, edible puppy who was the star attraction of our stall on Day 3 – playing with it, secretly feeding it sandwiches that were supposed to be only for volunteers and smothering it with kisses made our bleeding toes and painful blisters that were a result of walking all around the dog show collecting donations totally worthwhile.

. educating the masses about what PAWS is and does and why animal rights are important. some of the comments we got while trying to sell the PAWS merchandise showed that theres a desperate need for people like US to be more proactive in spreading the word about PAWS and animal rights in general. retorts like “yahan insanoun ki pareyshaniyan kum hain jo aap log jaanwaroun ki madad ker rahay hain”, “kya yeh PAWS pakistan ARMY welfare society hai?’ and ‘pachaas rupay for animal charity?!! haye Allah loot rahay ho subko!’ really got us worked up at times but I guess at the end of the day the best part was trying to deal with such people patiently and educating them about PAWS and if we have managed to change the thinking of or create awareness in even 0.5% of people out there at the Expo I think that’s something to be proud of!

. meeting volunteers exactly like myself who have been involved in rescuing activities, housing stray cats and dogs and fighting for animal rights at every step. We all shared a common bond and a pretty strong one at that and we thank PAWS for giving us a common platform to get to know each other

Those who missed this chance this time, missed out on quite a bit! sometimes things like work, money, school, friends often prevent us from doing things that are meant to make us better human beings. If you try hard enough, you’ll always find a thousand reasons to not do something. If anyone EVER gets the opportunity like this ever again, dont think twice just go for it u will never regret it!! My sister missed her classes at university and even a few deadlines to submit final term projects but doesn’t regret a moment of it. Other volunteers had similar stories as well. They may not get the best results on their school and work projects this month but they are definitely getting an A+ on their moral report card!

Thanks Mahera and Maheen for the way you treated us so kindly and for your ongoing efforts to make this country a better place for animals! =] ?

“It is neither their flesh nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him.” (Qur’an 22:37)

In July and August, the Pakistan floods wiped out 1.2 million large and small animals in Pakistan and left those that survived in poor condition with limited access to food.

For Eid-ul-Azha sacrifice this year, join PAWS and help restore the lives and livelihood of people affected by the floods. Buy a goat – and this year, instead of sacrificing it, send it back to a village to replace what was lost and help people back onto their feet. Goats can provide an ongoing income for families through the sale of milk, ghee, meat and kids, as well as supplement their own diet and agriculture.

Your donation of 12,000 PKR will buy a healthy, local goat and will deliver that goat to a flood refugee in Sindh. This cost includes: purchase of the goat and its delivery to the flood affected family, initial veterinary examination including vaccination and drenching, and high quality fodder for two months (as fodder is not easily available in the areas to where the families are returning).

Send your cheques to: Pakistan Animal Welfare Society
Mailing Address: Office No. 8, Hamilton Court, Complex G-1, Main Clifton Road, Karachi 6, Pakistan. (Please provide a return address and contact number for the receipt of your payment to be sent to you.)

FAQs
Why not just donate the meat from my sacrifice to a family instead?
A living goat is worth more to a family than the meat from a dead one – it is an ongoing source of income to that family. Also, the logistics of getting meat from its source to people in need means that a lot of meat goes wasted every year.

Where will you buy the goats from?
The goats will be sourced from locals who sell goats every year for sacrifice. The idea is that these sellers shouldn’t lose the annual income they depend on from goat sales, but that the goats purchased will be given to a local family rather than sacrificed. Furthermore, by buying directly from a poor family, the family can benefit from the best value for its goat.

How can I be sure that my goat goes to a family in need?
PAWS is partnering with local NGOs with a proven track record to ensure that every goat donated goes to a deserving family that has been displaced by the floods. You can follow up on your donation by contacting PAWS at the contact details provided below.

Why don’t I just donate money instead of donating a goat?
By donating a goat, you’re ensuring local goat sellers their annual income, and you’re also giving a long-term gift to a family. That family will be able to use the milk and fertilizer produced by the goat and its offspring to help support themselves for years to come.

Doesn’t the Qur’an say that an animal must be sacrificed?
Some people feel strongly that animals should be sacrificed for Eid-ul-Azha. Even if you only donate one of the animals that you would normally offer for sacrifice to a family, you would be making a big contribution to that family’s life.

Note: For logistical reasons, PAWS is only able to provide goats as gifts in place of slaughter. Please don’t let this discourage you from opting for a ‘life-giving sacrifice’ of another animal this year, on your own.

For further information:
info@pawspakistan.org
+92 302 829 3882 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +92 302 829 3882      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
www.pawspakistan.org

Friday, November 5, 3pm to 10pm
Saturday: November 6, 11am to 10pm
Sunday: November 7, 11am to 10pm

Location: Expo Center, Karachi

Volunteers are required for all three days. Duties include managing the stall and receiving visitors, informing them about PAWS and ways in which they can help animals.

If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email telling us about yourself, your availability, along with your contact details to info@pawspakistan.org

Patience, ingenuity and people skills are a must!

PAWS will provide lunch and dinner to all its volunteers.

Thank you!

PAWS Team

October 10: It’s only after we finish our work for the day and are given a tour of the village by a local teacher that we realize exactly how important the work that PAWS is doing here is. As outsiders (it’s our first day in Pakistan), we have no frame of reference for anything that we’re seeing – we don’t know what these fields used to be like and while we’re working, most of the village is hidden from view, so we can just see water marks on one or two buildings and a skirt of mud around the random patches of sugar cane that has survived. But once we are taken into the village, it quickly becomes clear that the animals are all these people have left.

My friend and I arrived in Karachi late the night before and after grabbing a few hours sleep we’ve hopped into a car and driven out into the countryside. It’s a slow trip, but we’re mesmerized by everything that we see as it slowly sinks in that we’re really not in Sydney any more.

As we close in on our destination, we start seeing dead fields – rows and rows of mounded, grey earth, webbed with the telltale marks of the floods – cracks where the surface of the mud has dried very quickly. It looks very dry from the car, but we’ll learn as soon as we step out of the car that it sinks underfoot – its still water-logged and nothing could grow here. The road is very rough by this stage, and has been narrowed in places where the sides have dropped away during the flooding.

When we arrive at the village, we are each assigned to a vet team and our job is really note-taking. The vets and their assistants do the hard work and don’t have time to keep inventory of what they do and what medicines they use, so that’s what we do. We also write out fodder vouchers to give to the villagers so that they can collect food for their animals from the truck that came with us. There is not enough fodder for everyone, so only the sick animals will get it.

My vet, Dr Shalla, explains the first few cases to me as we go. I learn that the yellow liquid being squirted into the buffaloes mouths is drench for intestinal parasites and that ivermectin is what they inject in the calves with lice or mites. Most of the work they do is drenching and it’s hard work – the buffaloes are huge and uncooperative and its a very hot day to be wrestling them. I feel very unAustralian in not being able to just step in front of these beasts and hypnotize them into cooperation with a wave of my hand, Crocodile Dundee-style.

Most of the animals we see are buffaloes, but there’s some variety added by a goat and a dog who need some attention. The dog has a nasty maggot wound and the vets go to elaborate lengths to bind it still before they begin work – this turns out to be a necessary precaution as it’s clearly a painful procedure for the dog. The wound looks like a drill hole in the dogs leg and some maggots are pulled out with tweezers and others crawl out after the vet squirts a maggot killing solution into the hole. The dog tries to howl through its temporary muzzle, and its tail slows from a chirpy wag to a pathetic occasional thump on the dirt.

The goat has a large cyst on one of its knees, which is drained, cleaned and bandaged. Like many of the animals, it is looked after by one of the boys from the village, who listens attentively to Dr Shalla’s instructions on how to continue to treat the wound after she goes.

After another hour or so of treating buffaloes, we head back to the vehicles to meet up with the rest of the group so that we can get back on to the main road before it’s too dark. My friend and I are offered a tour of the village by a the village teacher who can speak good English, and demonstrates that he understands that we’re Australian by saying “Ricky Ponting”.

Up until this point, it’s been clear that what the vets have been doing is helpful, and the villagers are very keen to get their sick animals tended, but just how vital this work is hadn’t quite hit home. As we walk into the village, we see what the water has done. The village is a wasteland of drying mud – piles of dirt, straw, half-buried thatched roofs, pieces of doors and smashed beds. In any available clearing, beds have been set up – usually out in the open, but sometimes under a temporary shade.

The teacher points at each pile of devastation, “this was 10 houses, this was six houses, this was 12 houses”. He takes us in to each of the houses that remain and shows us the great cracks in the floors and walls and the marks that the water has left. In some of the rooms, there are still puddles of water, and none of them are inhabitable, they are too dank and dangerous.

We ask about the crops in the area, and the teacher tells us what we’ve already seen, that only some of the sugarcane has survived, everything else has been lost. The river that used to be several kilometers away is now only a couple of hundred meters walk and he takes us to it. He introduces us to the midwife in the neighbouring village, which is much smaller, and we have a quick look over it – the story is the same, there is nothing left.

While the team I was in had been tending largely to buffaloes, the other vet teams had worked on donkeys, goats, oxen and camels. They were treated for parasites, skin disorders, malnourishment, fevers, injuries, maggots, eye problems, foot and mouth disease, rheumatism and a gamut of other problems. All in all over 170 animals were seen. And 100 bales of wheat straw, 600kg of goat feed, 340 kg of donkey feed and 100 kg of chicken feed was given out – enough to feed 200 buffaloes, 40 goats and 1,666 chickens for a day.