Reports of illegal hunting mar World Animal Day

Director Lahore Zoo Yousaf Pal talking to The Nation said there was urgent need for widespread public awareness campaign for protection of animals and saving them from cruelties. “We had a lot of visitors during the Eid holidays. We had prepared special brochures and put up banners advising the people about animal welfare.

There were clear instructions to people not to feed the animals or throw plastic shopping bags in their cages, which can create problems and may even prove fatal for them.

“Largely the people did follow the instructions. We had deputed special staff for the purpose of checking that,” the director said.

Pal said the animals were an asset and should be protected. “We must save them for the future generations. We should be caring and show love towards the animals. There is dire need to create awareness among the general public so that the new generation develops love for animals and does not indulge in any cruel act towards them,” he explained.

It may be mentioned here that World Animal Day was started in 1931 at a convention of ecologists in Florence as a way of highlighting the plight of endangered species. Since then it has grown to encompass all kinds of animal life and is widely celebrated in countries throughout the world. October 4 was chosen as World Animal Day as it is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.