KP Assembly approves animal rights bill, introducing jail terms, fines

PESHAWAR: For the first time in history, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has passed a law to protect animal rights, introducing penalties for harming animals.

The “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Animal Welfare Bill 2024” was approved by the provincial assembly on Wednesday.

Under the law, individuals who overload or cause harm to animals could face up to three months in prison or a fine of Rs50,000. In cases of repeated abuse or harm, the punishment increases to six months in prison and a fine of up to Rs100,000.

The bill states that cases will be heard by a first-class judicial magistrate, and animals must be slaughtered humanely.

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Additionally, fines or penalties will be imposed for inadequate or unsafe transport conditions. Engaging animals or birds in fighting competitions will result in a three-month prison sentence, and no one other than a licenced veterinary doctor will be allowed to perform surgery on an animal.

The bill also stipulates that owners who conceal any animal rights violations will face a fine of Rs10,000 or three months’ imprisonment.

Previously, punishments for animal cruelty were enforced under the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1890.

During the assembly session, annual reports from the Election Commission of Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority were also presented.

During the question-hour, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz MPA Sobia Shahid revealed that a mineral lease was granted near residential areas in Abbottabad.

She sought further investigation, and the matter was referred to the standing committee without any opposition from the government benches.

Two call attention notices and a privilege motion were also addressed during the session, after which the assembly session was adjourned until Thursday.