Target: Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan
Goal: Prioritize the welfare and conservation of exotic animals by forbidding the imprisonment in captivity.
The Punjab province of Pakistan has recently revised its Wildlife Act of 1974, allowing residents to legally own exotic animals such as lions, tigers, and cheetahs. While this amendment seeks to address illegal wildlife ownership and trade, it raises serious ethical and safety concerns for the animals and the public.
The new policy permits individuals to acquire licenses for these animals by paying a fee, but it fails to address the significant welfare needs and ecological impacts associated with keeping such creatures in captivity. Exotic animals require specialized care, large habitats, and appropriate social and environmental conditions. Inadequate provisions for their care often lead to suffering, stress, and health complications.
Additionally, this policy could unintentionally normalize exotic animal ownership, increasing demand for these species and perpetuating their removal from their natural habitats. It may also pose a significant public safety risk, as these animals are not domesticated and can be dangerous in residential settings. Sign below and demand that the prime minister focus on strengthening wildlife conservation and protecting these species in their natural environments.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear PM Shehbaz Sharif,
The recent revision to the Wildlife Act of 1974, which permits private ownership of exotic animals such as lions, tigers, and cheetahs, raises significant concerns for animal welfare, public safety, and conservation. While we understand the intention to regulate illegal wildlife ownership, this policy may inadvertently cause more harm than good.
Exotic animals require highly specialized care and environments to thrive. Placing them in private ownership often results in inadequate care, leading to suffering, stress, and severe health issues. Moreover, allowing individuals to own these animals may increase demand, contributing to the illegal wildlife trade and further threatening vulnerable species.
We urge you to reevaluate this policy and instead focus on strengthening conservation efforts, enforcing existing wildlife protection laws, and prioritizing the well-being of these magnificent creatures. Policies that protect animals in their natural habitats, rather than encouraging their captivity, align better with global conservation standards and ethical practices.
Please reconsider this decision and work towards measures that truly safeguard the welfare of wildlife and the environment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: U.S. Embassy, Islamabad
