Animal welfare concerns grow; police say action will follow complaints of cockfighting
RAWALPINDI:
Despite restrictions on cockfighting, a regular market for the sale and fighting of specially bred Aseel gamecocks has reportedly emerged near City Police Station in Rawalpindi, with contests and trading taking place every Friday at Dingi Khoi Chowk.
The market operates from 10am until sunset, where Aseel cocks of various fighting breeds are brought in vehicles, carefully handled and sometimes covered with face veils to conceal their identities. The coverings are removed when a bird is put up for sale or after a transaction has been completed.
Highly prized fighting cocks reportedly command prices ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs250,000, depending on their breed and fighting ability. The birds are also made to fight in organised contests, with spectators gathering to watch the matches.
Cockfighting, traditionally known as murgh baazi, has a long history in the Indian subcontinent and was once a common feature of rural gatherings and fairs. Aseel breeds, particularly those associated with Mianwali and Sindh, are widely used for the purpose.
Their owners, known as murgh baaz, pay particular attention to their diet and exercise, with some feeding them desi ghee, almonds and other energy-rich foods to improve their stamina.
Traditional cockfighting arenas are known as parr, around which spectators gather as two birds are released to fight. The contests can continue until one bird retreats, is severely injured or dies, raising serious concerns about animal welfare.
The practice is also associated with gambling, with substantial sums reportedly wagered by owners and spectators on the outcomes of fights.
From an animal welfare perspective, forcing animals to fight and exposing them to unnecessary pain and injury have drawn strong criticism. Islamic teachings also prohibit cruelty to animals and the practice of making them fight for entertainment.
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act provides a legal framework against animal cruelty, although the precise legal provisions applicable to such events depend on the circumstances and relevant legislation.
Despite enforcement measures against illegal animal fighting and associated gambling, the reported activity near Dingi Khoi Chowk has continued.
A poultry trader, Abdul Mateen, said he had brought Aseel cocks from Mianwali, describing them as belonging to a particularly aggressive fighting breed.
A police spokesperson said that setting up a market to sell domestic chickens was not prohibited in itself, but the police would take action if complaints concerning cockfighting were received.
