Nadia Afgan Condemns Stray Dog Killing, Links Animal Abuse to Growing Violence in Society

Actor Nadia Afgan speaks out against the mass killing of stray dogs. Warned teaching children to abuse animals encourages lawlessness and violent behavior.

Renowned actor Nadia Afgan strongly criticized the mass poisoning and shooting of stray dogs in Pakistan. Speaking on the podcast The Street Talks Back with host Huma Haq Afgan warned that normalizing violence against animals damages young minds and harms society as a whole.

Afgan stressed that abusing animals is directly tied to a broader pattern of violence in the country. She explained, that mistreating street dogs shows the same mindset that leads to abuse against women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

She said, using poison and guns to harm stray animals teaches children that violence is an acceptable way to handle problems. She shared how when she introduced her own pets to neighborhood children it helped replace fear with understanding.

Government Failure to Enforce Existing Laws

Afgan mentioned that Pakistan has laws to protect animals, but officials could not enforce them. Despite a 2021 Lahore High Court ruling banning the shooting and poisoning of stray dogs municipal authorities continue mass killings.

She criticized authorities for spending public money on bullets and poison instead of funding vaccination and spaying programs to control rabies safely. She added that well-treated community dogs naturally guard their streets and help protect local children playing outside.

Heavy Emotional Toll on Rescue Volunteers

Afgan also spoke about the severe mental distress faced by independent animal rescuers across the country. Because animal welfare relies almost entirely on self-funded volunteers without government help, seeing constant abuse online leaves rescuers feeling overwhelmed and helpless.

She called on both the public and the state to take responsibility and enforce animal protection laws.