IN CONVERSATION
A chat with Syed Mustafa Ahmed, the lead volunteer of SOS
Us: How and when was SOS Animals Pakistan founded, and what inspired the creation of this initiative?
Syed Mustafa Ahmed: Save Our Strays is not an organization. We’re just 12 individuals working voluntarily to help stray animals. Being an animal lover since childhood and then experiencing the culling of strays led to the formation of SOS. Our goal is to make this a public interest, and not a personal one.
Us: What efforts has SOS been making to help stray animals in the last few years?
Mustafa: Save our Strays relocated more than 3,500 dogs from DHA and Clifton in 2015 alone. We have neutered, vaccinated, and collared above 1,052 animals - both dogs and cats - since 2012, and also vaccinated and collared above 7,500 animals since 2012. We have managed to stop culling in almost every area of Karachi. We have also facilitated the adoption of around 140-170 stray animals, rescued and treated 5,000 plus injured animals, run animal rights awareness programs in 7 areas of Karachi, and are also working towards helping marine and wildlife.
Us: How do you feel about the response you have received from the public so far?
Mustafa: The public response and overall experience has been very positive. It’s a matter of proper conversation and guidance.
Us: Who is responsible for the decision of shooting stray animals? Have there been any efforts to inspire the government/authorities to pay attention to this issue and consider humane alternatives instead?
Mustafa: The cantonment law of public safety is the main issue and needs amendment. It allows culling of stray animals on the basis of rabies control, whereas all developing countries including India and Sri Lanka have adopted the World Health Organization guidelines of Animal Birth Control.
Us: What do you think is the best course of action for stray management? And what efforts do you think should be made to improve the stay animal situation in the country?
Mustafa: The best way to handle the stray population is trap-neuter-vaccinate-release. The population will automatically decrease over time.
Us: You must have come across a lot of apathy towards the plight of stray animals, and there are many who consider the issue unimportant or secondary. Why do you think this issue does not get the attention it deserves in this country? And why do you think this is important?
Mustafa: Usually everyone believes that stray dogs have rabies and are impure, as guided by our religious scholars and of course the society we live in, but the reality is that they are a part of our ecosystem. God made them for a reason. Rat population is controlled by cats; cat population is controlled by dogs. Dogs are our natural security guards, and have always lived side by side with humans.
What people need is clear guidance on the topic of animal welfare and their rights, not just from a humanitarian point of view, but also from scientific, religious and health angles.
Us: What can the average person do to help stray animals in Pakistan?
Mustafa: Feed them, help them become friendly, get them vaccinated, and if you can afford it, get them neutered.
