Establishment of Animal Sanctuary in Quetta

Summary

In Pakistan, more than 60,000 stray dogs die annually due to government-ordered mass killings and poisonings in almost every city. The practice involves shooting or poisoning these animals, followed by municipal workers collecting their bodies and disposing of them in trucks. Cities like Quetta, Karachi, and Lahore have the highest rates of dog killings, with over 40,000 dogs killed in these three cities alone. This alarming situation highlights the urgent need for safe spaces where animals can live without the threat of cruelty or inhumane treatment.

Challenge

Animals in Asia, particularly in Pakistan, are among the most abused in the world. The absence of proper animal welfare laws leads to exploitation and abuse of animals for various purposes. Some examples include:

• Capturing bears for 'bile' extraction.
• Poor handling and brutal treatment in slaughterhouses.
• Beating of stray cats and dogs.
• Malnourished and overworked farm animals.
• Improper housing in restrictive, poorly ventilated, and unhygienic spaces.
• Lack of proper nutrition, repeated impregnation, physical abuse, and inadequate medical care for work animals.

Given these circumstances, there is an urgent need to address the welfare of stray animals by providing them with a safe and secure environment.

Project Objectives

The project, "Establishment of Animal Sanctuary in Quetta," initiated by the Balochistan Rural Development Program (BRDP), aims to work towards the welfare of stray, abandoned, injured, and rescued animals in District Quetta. The key objectives are:

1. Provide a Safe Haven: Establish an animal sanctuary where stray and rescued animals can live in a healthy and safe environment, free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

2. Adopt Global Standards: Improve the quality of life for stray animals by adopting the principles laid down by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), ensuring that animals are treated humanely and live in well-maintained conditions.

3. Promote Awareness and Education: Educate communities on animal welfare, the importance of compassion towards animals, and the need for proper care and shelter.

4. Rescue and Rehabilitation: Establish a rescue and rehabilitation system for injured and abused animals, providing necessary medical care, nutrition, and a safe space for recovery.

Project Activities

1. Construction of the Sanctuary: Develop infrastructure that includes animal shelters, medical facilities, feeding areas, and recreational spaces.

2. Animal Rescue Operations: Establish a network to rescue stray, abandoned, and injured animals and bring them to the sanctuary.

3. Community Engagement: Conduct awareness campaigns, workshops, and educational programs for communities to promote animal rights and welfare.

4. Medical Care and Rehabilitation: Provide medical treatment and rehabilitation services for rescued animals, ensuring they are healthy and can live peacefully within the sanctuary.

Project Impact

• Improved Animal Welfare: Stray, abandoned, and abused animals will have a safe space to live and receive proper care, leading to a significant reduction in animal cruelty cases.
• Enhanced Community Awareness: Communities will become more informed and compassionate toward animal welfare, leading to long-term positive changes in handling and treating animals.
• Reduced Stray Animal Population: By providing shelter and care, the number of stray animals on the streets of Quetta will gradually reduce, contributing to safer and more humane treatment of animals.

Fundraising Goal

The goal of this project is to raise $273,430. So far, we have raised $1,266 through our online fundraising campaign on the GlobalGiving platform. These funds will be utilized for:

• Construction and development of the sanctuary.
• Medical supplies and food for the animals.
• Staffing, including veterinarians, caretakers, and administrative personnel.
• Community engagement and awareness programs.

Conclusion

The "Establishment of Animal Sanctuary in Quetta" project is a crucial step towards improving animal welfare in Balochistan. It represents an effort to save thousands of animals from cruel practices, provide them with a safe and caring environment, and educate communities on the importance of compassion towards animals. We urge all potential donors, animal lovers, and supporters to contribute generously to this noble cause. Your support will make a significant difference in the lives of these animals and create a more humane society.