A significant step toward animal welfare reform has been taken as Syed Haider Ali, an animal and climate activist, has filed a petition in the Data Darbar Animal Cruelty Case. The first hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 17, before Justice Shehram Sarwar at the Lahore High Court.
The petition seeks three key outcomes:
- A judicial inquiry into the deaths of animals reportedly caused during recent demolition activity near Data Darbar.
- Accountability from all relevant authorities responsible for operational decisions and protocol failures.
- Legislative reform to replace the outdated Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1890, with a modern, enforceable framework that reflects current ethical and environmental standards.
This case highlights a pressing need for humane treatment laws and systemic oversight in situations involving public works, urban development, and environmental management. Advocates emphasize that compassionate governance is essential to ensuring that no living being becomes collateral damage in institutional operations.
