LAHORE - Civil society activists call for release of Kaavan, an elephant chained in Islamabad zoo for decades, as they staged a protest outside the Lahore Press Club yesterday night.
The rare protest for animal rights in Pakistan caused traffic mess in the busy locality as the event attracted passersby and motorists.
“We are here because Kaavan is chained in the capital zoo and we will continue protests unless it is set free. The animal has been chained for last 28 years,” one of the protesters told The Nation.
Kiran Maheen, another protester, said Kaavan has been mentally upset since his female friend passed away. The protesters demanded the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to shift the elephant to sanctuary.
Society for Protection of Neglected Animals organised the demonstration. The protesters said the government had ordered release of the animal three weeks ago but the authorities were unwilling to implement the decision.
“Our friends and colleagues are taking part in protests in several countries,” said one member of SPNA.