Bestiality and Animal Abuse in Pakistan

Bestiality, zoophilia, or animal sexual abuse is an uncomfortable topic and it has seldom been studied directly or exclusively and there is no research that has established the actual frequency and nature of deliberate sex acts against animals.

According to the data released by Google, Pakistan is on the 35th number in the list of most in porn searches for animals in 2020. Pakistanis are not just obsessed with sex but sex with animals too. There have been reports about Dolphins, Goats, Deer, Donkeys that are Gang-Raped earlier in this country.

Recently, a horrific incident was reported on social media according to which a kitten was allegedly raped by a group of 15-year-old boys in Lahore which has left the nation thinking seriously about a highly prevalent but hushed-up issue.

As per the details shared in a Facebook post, “the poor little kitten was abused for a week continuously It further read that the vet confirmed that the cat was abused, but he refused to give it in writing to avoid any involvement in the case.”

In Pakistan, there are no animal protection laws, no criminal offense charges against animal abusers. A law dating back to 1890 called the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act exists in the country but it has mostly remained on paper only.

According to the psychologists, there is a correlation with domestic violence to animal abuse Data on domestic violence and child abuse cases reveal that a staggering number of animals is targeted by those who abuse their children or spouses.

By introducing sex education in the school curriculum we can not only protect our children from sexual abuse but from committing any such horrendous crimes. It is normal for teenagers to indulge in some risk-taking and novelty-seeking behaviors which can lead to sexual encounters. For this reason, children should be educated about the hazards and risks of being sexually active at a young age. Parents should also have a close relationship with their children.

The act of 1890 called the “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act” needs to be replaced

by fresh legislation recognizing animals as sentient beings with values needing protection and care. A system of licenses also needs to be introduced for pets and breeding farms and aquatic animals. Additionally, the government must formulate a national policy on animal protection and welfare as well as for the effective implementation of policies and laws. New institutional structures such as an animal welfare advisory council, a scientific experiments oversight council, and an animal health standards authority are needed.