Rights of Animals in Pakistan: Constitution and Law

Abstract

In this working paper an attempt has been made to survey the animal rights laws in Pakistan. For this purpose, the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 and the relevant laws in force in Pakistan till to date have been discussed here.

In a judgment of Lahore High Court titled as Muhammad Arif v SHO City Police Depalpur, PLD 1994 Lahore 521, Justice Muhammad Amir Malik has observed, in very beautiful words, that as per Article 4 of the Constitution every citizen has the inalienable right to be treated in accordance with law and no action detrimental to life, liberty, body, reputation, or property can be taken except in accordance with law. Under Article 24 of the Constitution no person is to be deprived of his property except in accordance with law. Equality before law and equal protection of law is guaranteed to every citizen under Article 25. If the Constitution is guaranteeing such vide protection to the citizens why not the same protection to the cattle and animals of the country.

This is jurisprudence of animal rights in Pakistan.

Keywords: animal rights, pakistan, Islamic Republic, Elephant, Zoo, Houbara Bustard, deer, Halal, cruelty to animals, prevention, dog, cat, donkey, turtle, tortoise, domestic animals, camel, goat, sheep, hide, sheeth, slaughter

JEL Classification: J10, K10, L10, Z10