Cockfighting finds a ring under police watch
Animal welfare concerns grow; police say action will follow complaints of cockfighting
Cockfighting, despite legal restrictions, has resurfaced near City Police Station in Rawalpindi, with a dedicated market for the sale and competitive fighting of specially bred Aseel gamecocks. This market, which operates every Friday at Dingi Khoi Chowk from 10am to sunset, sees the arrival of Aseel cocks in vehicles, often masked to conceal their identities.
These birds, with prices ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs250,000 depending on their breed and fighting prowess, are brought for purchase or exhibition in these contests. Cockfighting, known as murgh baazi, is deeply rooted in the Indian subcontinent and the Aseel breed, especially from Mianwali and Sindh, is highly valued for this purpose.
Owners, or murgh baaz, meticulously care for their birds' diet and exercise, sometimes even using desi ghee and almonds to boost their stamina. Contests, held in arenas called parr, continue until one bird is defeated, severely injured, or killed, sparking significant concerns over animal welfare. The practice is further marred by the involvement of gambling, with substantial bets placed on the outcomes.
Animal welfare advocates and Islamic teachings condemn the practice, as it infringes on the prohibition of cruelty to animals. Although the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act provides legal protections, enforcement against such events remains a challenge. Despite police efforts, this new market for cockfighting, near Dingi Khoi Chowk, has remained active.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
