Ethical Dilemmas in Animal Treatment: A Cross-Cultural Perspective

Imagine a world where people treat animals to show their prides and skills, while others pay to watch cruel acts against animals online.

In some cultures, animals are used in traditional practices or rituals for entertainment purposes, such as bullfighting or cockfighting. In cockfighting, roosters are bred and trained to fight each other, often with sharp blades attached to their legs, leading to serious injuries and even death. Similarly, in bull fighting, bulls are tormented and eventually killed in front of an audience for the sake of spectacle. If we look at these practices through cultural relativism, we understand that they are traditions and rituals for these communities. They spend thousands on roosters and bulls, taking care of and training them because it challenges their prestige if they cannot train these animals. What we might see as mere fun is actually a big challenge for them. they invest in these animals for sing fight that might happen once a year to showcase their prestige and power and to prove their ability to train them. However, there must be some limit between fun, prestige, and torturing animals. This bring us to a more troubling aspect of human behavior. The incident of the cat being ground into a juicer machine, as shown in video circulating on the internet, raises a troubling aspect of human behavior. While the act itself is disturbing, what is perhaps more concerning is the large number of people willing to pay to watch such videos on the dark web. This highlights a concerning trend that reflects a decline in our sense of humanity and empathy towards other living beings.

In a video, a man is trying to make a funny clip where he pretends to slaughter a male goat. He laughs and says he is just acting, pretending that the goat is dead. However, he does not realize how much fear the goat might be experiencing. by trying the goat up as he is about to slaughter it, the man likely causes the goat genuinely fear for its life. this kind of behavior is not only cruel but also shows a lack of empathy for the animal’s feelings and wellbeing. Social factors like TikTok play a significant role in such behaviors. Platforms like TikTok encourage users to create content that grabs attention, often pushing boundaries to gain views and followers. In the quest for viral fame, people may resort to shocking or extreme actions, including the mistreatment of animals. The man in the video likely sought to entertain his audience without considering the fear and stress he inflicted on the goat. This reflects a broader issue in which social media can desensitize individuals to the harm they cause in pursuit of online popularity.

In Southern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan, sex with animals is a common practice among rural youths and considered a rite of passage into adulthood (https://seekersguidance.org/answers/halal-and-haram/what-is-the-ruling-of-bestiality-in-islam/). In Balochistan, Pakistan, there is a disturbingly practice of animal brutality, particularly exemplified by the sexual abuse of female dolphins. These dolphins, possessing genitalia similar to women, are subjected to sexual abuse by individuals in the community, who justify their actions as fulfilling their sexual desire. Shockingly, this practice is normalized within the community, with many individuals not finding it repulsive or unethical. Instead, it has become an accepted ritual, integrated into their everyday activities. Despite awareness of this cruelty, the government has failed to take any action, allowing this practice to continue unchecked and contributing to its normalization. Police made a breakthrough in the Layyah gang-rape and animal pornography case when they arrested suspected gang leader Rana Wasim alias Shahzeb. The arrest of Rana Wasim, gang leader in the Layyah gang-rape and animal pornography case, underscores the darker facets of socio-cultural influences on animal treatment. This case highlights how cultural norms and power dynamics can facilitate the abuse and exploitation of animals.

“Having sex with unattached females is taboo and can land you in prison or the grave. The same sort of rules does not apply to animals, and animals do not tell”

The phrase “animals do not tell” points out how vulnerable animals are since they cannot communicate their suffering. This allows people to exploit animals without fear of being caught or punished. There are villages in Pakistan where Rs. 20-50 can buy you sex with a cow. You also have sheep, goat, dog, donkeys, etc. The reported incident of trading money for sexual acts with animals in certain villages in Pakistan raise serious concerns about animal welfare and societal values. Such practices not only violate ethical standards but also reflect a disturbing disregard for the well-being and dignity of animals. it suggests a deep-seated issue of exploitation and abuse, where animals are viewed as objects for personal gratification rather than sentient beings deserving of respect and care. These incidents also highlight broader social issues such as poverty, lack of education, and cultural norms that may contribute to such behaviors.

In a video shared on Instagram, Japanese scientists gave alcohols to bears to capture their reactions. The video was posted humorously, showing the bears moving their bodies as if dancing. However, the reality was that the bears were allergic to alcohol, and they were actually rubbing their bodies against the wall. Despite this, the comment section was filled with laughing comments and jokes. Only a few people expressed concern, pointing out the fact that the bears were allergic. The lack of awareness or concern about the bears’ allergic reactions highlights a potential disconnect between humans and nature, where animals are seen more as objects of amusement rather than sentient beings with their own needs and vulnerabilities.

Misinterpretation of Islamic teachings can sometimes justify animals’ cruelty. Some people might misunderstand or distort religious texts, leading them to believe that harming animals is acceptable. For instance, they might think that using animals for work or food means they can treat them harshly, like beating them or neglecting their needs. Additionally, some might ignore the teachings of compassion and kindness towards all living beings, focusing instead on their own benefit. This lack of proper understanding can result in animals being treated cruelly, even though true Islamic teachings promote kindness and respect towards animals. During Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims participate in the ritual of slaughtering animals. However, some people perform this ritual cruelly, such as by slaughtering one animal in front of others, which is strictly prohibited in Islam. Additionally, there is trend of showcasing animals and competing over whose animal is larger and healthier. This behavior often draws attention and admiration, and social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are filled with such displays. This not only cause mental distress for those involved but also creates a divide in society between those who can afford expensive animals and those who struggle to afford daily necessities. This showoff culture exacerbates social inequality and detracts from the true spirit of the religious observance. Another issue is that animals are often tied with ropes so short that they cannot move or sit properly, leaving them to stand for hours without food or water. This highlights a lack of empathy and understanding of animal welfare, further detracting from the compassionate principles of Eid-ul-Adha.

Pakistan ranks number 1 for such varied search terms as “child sex,” “rape sex,” “animal sex,” “camel sex,” “donkey sex,” “dog sex,” and “horse sex” (Islam and Bestiality, 2015). According to the data released by Google, Pakistan tops the list of most pörn-searching countries and leads the way in pörn searches for animals like pigs, donkeys, dogs, cats and snakes, news website Salon reported on Thursday. It further revealed that six of the top eight pörn-searching countries were Muslim states. The country at number two in the list was Egypt, while Iran, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Turkey came in at numbers four, five, seven and eight, respectively (Norwegian, 2015). The data released by google showing Pakistan as the top country for porn searches, including searches for animals like pigs, donkeys, dogs, cats, and snakes, raises questions about the intersection of religious beliefs and animal welfare. In Islam, there are strict guidelines regarding the treatment of animals, emphasizing compassion and care. The fact that six of the top eight porn searching countries are Muslim states, with Egypt, Iran, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey also high on the list, suggests a disconnect between religious teachings and behavior in these societies. This data highlights a concerning trend where cultural or individual behaviors may contradict religious principles, leading to unethical treatment of animals.

In our daily lives, we often associate certain animals with taboos. For example, black cats are commonly linked to bad luck. When a black cat crosses our path, it is often said that our day will be ruined, stemming from superstitions that stigmatize this harmless animal simply due to its black color. Additionally, in Pakistani culture, pigs are considered taboo to the extent that people avoid even mentioning their name. this is because consuming pork is prohibited in Islam. However, there is a distinction between not eating pork and completely avoiding the mention of pigs. This behavior reflects how people interpret religion and socially exclude pigs, demonstrating a broader cultural stigma. The picture of a female camel with a broken leg that’s circulating on social media is really sad. It’s said that a landlord cut off her foot because she wandered onto his land. This is very cruel and against the law in many places. This incident highlights power dynamics in several ways. Firstly, it demonstrates how individuals with perceived authority or power, such as landlord in this case, can abuse their position to inflict harm on vulnerable beings. The act of intentionally injuring the camel can be seen as an exertion of power over a defenseless animal. It raises questions about power structures that allow such acts of cruelty to occur and the mechanisms in place to prevent them.

In the second incident, a donkey owner in Hyderabad cut off his donkey’s leg in anger after it fought with another donkey. This also demonstrates how power can be misused. The owner’s reaction shows a lack of self-control and the disregard for the animals’ wellbeing. It also highlight the boarder issue of how animals, often seen as property, can be subjected to extreme cruelty without significant consequences for the perpetrators. People on social media are extremely angry and sad about hoe these animals were treated. Both incidents happened it Sindh, showing how power can be misused differently in different places. In Sindh, extreme patriarchy exists, which is reflected in these cruel acts. The landlord cutting off the camel’s foot and the donkey owner amputating his donkey’s leg both show how people in power, often men, can harm animals without facing consequences. This patriarchal system allows such cruelty to happen, as those in power feel they can do whatever they want without being held accountable.

In Pakistan, leaders often use animal’s metaphors to create strong images and influence public opinion. For example, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, a former Prime Minister, is called the “Lion of Punjab” to symbolize his strength and courage. The children of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, like Benazir and Murtaza Bhutto, are referred to as “Bhutto’s Lion Cubs”, suggesting that they carry on his legacy. Imran Khan, ex-Prime Minister, has used the term “Snake in the Grass” to describe hidden threats or political opponents. Politicians and commentators talk about the “elephant in the room” to point out important issues that need attention. Some leaders also describe their opponents or critics as “jackals and hyenas”, implying that they are treacherous or opportunistic. These metaphors are common in speeches, interviews and political rallies, helping to create vivid image and persuade the public. “A wolf in sheep’s clothing” describes someone or something that seems safe but is actually dangerous. “Let sleeping dogs lie” means not bringing up a controversial issue that could cause problems. When someone feels uncomfortable or out of place in a new situation, they are like “a fish out of water”. “The camel’s back” illustrates how a small problem added to many others can cause a big breakdown. Lastly. “Crying crocodile tears” means pretending to be sad when you are not.

The use of animal metaphors can negatively impact animals by reinforcing negative stereotypes and justifying harmful actions against them. Describing political adversaries as dangerous animals like snakes or treacherous creatures like jackals and hyenas perpetuates fear and mistrust of these animals, potentially leading to their mistreatment or killing. Moreover, the glorification of certain animals as symbols of power and courage can overshadow the real issues of animal welfare and the need for their protection, as the focus remains on their symbolic use rather than the well-being of the animals themselves. In Pakistan, there are numerous cases and incidents that highlight the issue of animal cruelty. Political leaders have been known to use caged and chained lions and other animals during political rallies to draw attention and symbolize power. For example, lions have been paraded at political events to project strength and dominance, often kept in destressing conditions for extended periods. Additionally, during election campaigns, some politicians have sued animals like horses and camels to attract crowds, often overworking and mistreating them.

People in cities might spend money on things like pet healthcare activities because they see their animals as part of the family. But in rural areas, animals are mostly seen as workers. They help with guarding homes, herding livestock, or working in the fields. Because of this, they are valued more for the work they do than for companionship. This difference shows how you live and what you need animals for can shape you treat them, reflecting the different cultures and practical needs in each place. In the food industry, animals are raised in tight spaces in what’s called “factory farming”. This can lead to health problems and stress for the animals. Some farming practices, like tail docking and debeaking, can also cause them pain without any relief.

In our relentless pursuit of development, we often destroy the natural habitats of countless animals., displacing them from their homes. When these animals can no longer find shelter in their original environments, they are forced to enter human territories, where they frequently meet brutal ends. For example, in Bahria Town Rawalpindi, a lion was seen wandering the streets. That lion once called tha area home, a habitat now stolen through deforestation. Similarly, comic art often portrays the consequences of deforestation, illustrating how snakes deprived of their natural homes, venture into human societies only to be killed. The comment section on this comic art is filled with concerns about animal abuse, reflecting a growing awareness of the tragic outcomes of our actions on wildlife. Transport conditions in cage/trailers, with few and insufficient square meters, makes minimum comfort impossible, besides being the permanent and obligatory home for species such as big cats and bears (ANIMALS IN CIRCUSES). The transport conditions for circus animals are also very harsh and inhumane. Animals like big cats and bears are kept in small cages or trailers with very little space. These cramped conditions make it impossible for the animals to have even the minimum level of comfort. These cages or trailers become their permanent homes, where they have to live all the time. Such living conditions are not suitable for these large animals, as they need more space to move around and stay healthy.

There was no veterinary care given to the animals. I saw buyers and sellers bartering over sick animals. Even the healthy animals became ill because of the severe cage stink under those appalling conditions. Some animals were kept in enclosures that received direct sunlight, while others were kept in extremely frigid and dry conditions (Shahid, 2023). The conditions in bird markets are often just as harsh and inhumane as those in circuses. As shared by in her blog, animals in these markets are kept in such poor conditions that they can barely move. The cages are small and overcrowded, making it impossible for the birds to have any comfort or freedom. This lack of space and proper care severely affects their health and well-being, highlighting a significant issue in how animals are treated in these markets. These conditions reflect a disregard for animal welfare driven by economic motives, as maximizing profit often takes precedence over providing proper care and living conditions for animals.

Billions of animals are slaughtered and processed each year, for the “Fashion Industry”. Whether we’re speaking of leather, fur, wool, feathers/down, or silk, animals are “ranched”/raised, trapped, mutilated and killed under some of the most horrific conditions imaginable, in order to produce the clothing and accessories that most of us wear (Animals Used for Clothing). The fashion industry is responsible for the slaughter and processing of billions of animals each year, exploiting them for materials such as leather, fur, wool, feathers and silk. These animals are often subjected to inhumane conditions, including being ranched or raised in confinement, trapped in the wild, and ultimately killed. The processes involved are frequently brutal, with animals experiencing extreme suffering and distress. Leather production, for instance, involves the use of harsh chemicals and cruel handling methods. Fur farms confine animals in small, dirty cages leading to physical and psychological harm. Wool production involves painful practices like mulesing, while down feathers are sometimes plucked from live birds. Even silk production involves boiling silkworms alive to harvest their cocoons.

It’s estimated that 10 million to as many as 100 million animals are used in research and testing (Which Animals are Used). It is estimated that more than 50 million animals are used in experiments (Animal testing and experiments, n.d.). These experiments are conducted for various purposes, including medical research, testing the safety of products, and studying diseases. Using frogs for testing is quite common, I often wonder about the ethics behind it. While I understand that they are given the same autonomy as humans for experimental purposes, how can matric and intermediate students conduct practical on them without any basic knowledge? Reflecting on my matric biology practical, I remember how our teacher required each student to bring a frog every week for practice. Firstly, it was the school’s responsibility to provide the necessary materials. Secondly, the methods students used to catch frogs were extremely inhumane. One of my classmates asked her uncle to capture a frog, and he did so by inserting powdered tobacco into its nose. When she brought the frog to class, it remained unconscious for three days and eventually died.

In the entertainment industry, animals can face cruelty through various practices that prioritize entertainment over their welfare. One common form of cruelty is in circuses, where animals such as elephants, tigers, and bears are often subjected to harsh training methods, confinement in small spaces, and long periods of travel in cramped conditions. These practices can lead to physical and psychological sufferings, as the animals are deprived of their natural behaviors and environments. As ‘A number of accidents have occurred, in circuses, as a result of ill-treatment and the bad living conditions of the animals. Stressed by the type of lives that they live, totally contrary to their natural habitat, sometimes they lose control due to, the presence of the public, the volume of the music during the shows, the reflection of the spotlights and forced enclosure’ (ANIMALS IN CIRCUSES). Another example is in the use of animals in films and television shows, where they may be subjected to stress and potentially dangerous situations for the sake of entertainment.

In many farms, animals are really important for the work. They help with plowing fields and moving things around. But sometimes, farmers cannot afford to buy enough food for them. They think, “the animals will work anyway, so why spend more money on food?” This can be a big problem because if animals do not eat well, they can get sick or weak. However, if farmers spend more on animal food, they might not make enough money to support their families. This is especially true in places where the government does not help farmers much. So, farmers are stuck. Industrial practices often displace birds from their nests, particularly through deforestation. Birds build their nests in tress, but as development progresses and deforestation increases, they are forced to find new places to live. Many birds try to adapt by building nests on electric poles, but these locations are far from ideal. Electric poles are crowded with numerous wires, making it dangerous for birds. We frequently see news reports about birds dying from electric shocks, and their nests are often tangled with cables. This situation highlights the severe impact of industrial development on wildlife, as birds struggle to survive in increasingly hostile environments. Monkeys are taken from their mothers as infants to study how extreme stress might affect human behavior. Mice are force-fed daily doses of a chemical for two years to see if it might cause cancer in humans. Cats have their spinal cords damaged and are forced to run on treadmills to study how nerve activity might affect human limb movement (Animal testing and experiments, n.d.). In industrial practices, animals like monkeys, mice, and cats are used in research to study how certain things might affect humans, like stress, cancer, or nerve activity. They raise questions about whether its right to use animals this way for human benefit.

In Sanghar district, Sindh, the fast operations of the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) resulted in the deaths of livestock. Eight oxen died on the spot, and three others suffered broken legs after falling into the company’s tyre traps. The owners of these animals have accused OGDCL of damaging public property in their search for oil and gas. They claim that the company should compensate them for their losses. This incident highlights the conflict between industrial operations and local communities’ livelihoods. Another noticeable aspect is that the affected people requested compensation in monetary terms rather than in the form of replacement animals. this suggests that their concern for their animals were primarily economic, viewing them as source of income rather than a sentient being with whom they share a bond. It reflects a trend where economic gains often take precedence over ethical considerations and compassion for animals.

Conclusion

Farm animals suffer on factory farms by the thousands, but because they are often exempted from cruelty laws or have much more lax protections than do pets, there is not very much legal action that can be taken to reduce their suffering (Hussain G. , 2021). The vast majority of experiments on animals are not required by government law or regulations. Despite that, government agencies often seem to prefer that companies carry out animal tests to assess the toxicity or efficacy of products such as industrial chemicals, pesticides, medical devices and medicines (Animal testing and experiments, n.d.). The wide spread sharing of incident about cutting leg of female camel on social media and the ensuing outrage also reflect power dynamics. It shows the power of social media in amplifying voices and bringing attention to injustice. The fact that this incident has sparked debate and calls for action indicates a shift in power towards public opinion and advocacy for animal rights. The treatment of farm animals and the widespread use of animal testing highlight significant ethical dilemmas rooted in legal loopholes and power dynamics. As farm animals are often exempt from cruelty laws, their suffering remains largely unaddressed, despite the immense scale of factory farming (Gunther, Macinnis, Hodson, & Dhont, August 2023). Similarly, the preference for animal testing by government agencies, even when not mandated by law, underscores a systemic disregard for animal welfare (Animal testing and experiments, n.d.). however, the incident of female camel’s leg being cut and the subsequent outrage on social media illustrating a growing shift in power towards public opinion and advocacy.

It is important for industries to follow strict rules to make sure animals are treated well and that their sue is justified. Scientists and industries need to think about the ethics of using animals in research and find ways to reduce harm to animals. we have the power to make positive changes, and it’s not too late. While we might not impact things on a larger scale, each of us can take steps to minimize animal abuse. For example, in Germany, circuses use hologram instead of real animals, creating cruelty free magical experiences. We can also think of unique ideas or alternatives like this. Sadly, many people do not recognize such actions as animal abuse. When public figures share their opinions, it significantly influences their followers. In the picture, a person with a verified account, meaning they have many followers, commented on Germany’s initiative, saying, ‘Then it is not a real circus. To him and his followers, a “real circus” is defined by the presence of live animals only.

In conclusion, the question posed by those who question the morality of killing animals for various purposes, “Don’t you fear Allah? When Allah asks who were you to kill them, what will you answer?” serves as powerful reminder of the ethical and moral considerations surrounding the treatment of animals. it challenges individuals to reflect on their actions and the justification they provide for them, especially in the context of religious beliefs and accountability.

The emerging trend of raising awareness about animal treatment indicates a significant shift in public consciousness, emphasizing the need to end animal cruelty. Here are some pictures I have taken from various pages and groups that reflects people’s desires for change. They are using comic art, cartoons, and illustrations to educate the general public. However, the question remains: is this change confined to the virtual world, or it is happening in the physical world as well?

References

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2371871/prime-suspect-in-layyah-porn-bestiality-case-arrested

https://defence.pk/threads/pakistan-tops-list-of-most-bestiality-searching-countries-google.354324

https://theasianmirror.com/latest/34346/animal-cruelty

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373574135_Addressing_Behavior_and_Policy_Around_Meat_Associating_Factory_Farming_with_Animal_Cruelty_Works_Better_than_Zoonotic_Disease

https://www.addaong.org/en/we-denounce/animals-in-circuses

https://www.animalcrueltyexposurefund.org/animals-used-for-clothing