Justice for the Voiceless: Continuing Fight for Animal Welfare at Tollinton Market

• By Izzat Fatima
• 26 May 2025

Since 2022, I have been pursuing a public interest litigation before the Lahore High Court to address the deplorable conditions at Tollinton Market, located in Shadman. What initially began as a campaign against environmental hazards marked by a petrifying stench, decaying waste, and disease-causing pathogens soon revealed a deeper crisis: rampant and systematic animal abuse.

Tollinton Market is not just a place where trade happens; it has, tragically, become synonymous with cruelty against voiceless beings. Over the years, animals have been confined to cramped, unhygienic cages, often without adequate food, water, or shelter from the scorching heat. The cries of these animals’ echo through the walls of a place meant for commerce, not cruelty.
Thanks to the High Court’s intervention, the market has undergone some improvement. A budget was passed under court direction for its renovation and sanitation. The Wildlife Department has removed certain wild animals from illegal captivity. These steps, though significant, are unfortunately not enough.
Despite the court’s orders, I continue to receive disturbing complaints about ongoing abuse. Dogs, cats, chicks, rabbits, and other small animals are still being sold and stored in horrifying conditions. In many cases, multiple species are confined together in tiny, suffocating cages. The heat is unbearable, and the suffering is relentless. It became clear to me that while the legal process is crucial, urgent humanitarian action could not wait.
Last week, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Instead of filing another court petition, which would require time and procedural delays, I personally visited Tollinton Market. Through some valuable references, I was able to secure medical assistance from the Livestock Department. Together, we provided basic medical care to some of the animals in distress.
Yet this is far from a solution. My resources are limited. I do not have the means to relocate the animals that are still languishing in poor health. I plan to return in the coming week, but these visits though well-intentioned are mere bandages over a gaping wound.
The reality is heartbreaking. These animals sit silently, suffering every moment in cages that are far too small, in an environment far too hostile. And behind each cage stands a seller for whom profit outweighs compassion.
What Needs to Be Done
To address this issue sustainably and humanely, a multi-pronged approach must be adopted:
Establishment of a Permanent Veterinary Unit: The government must establish a permanent veterinary health unit inside the market to regularly monitor animal health and respond to emergencies.
Enforcement of Animal Welfare Laws: Existing animal protection laws must be strictly enforced. Shopkeepers violating minimum welfare standards should face fines, license suspension, or prosecution.
Mandatory Cage and Space Regulations: Specific guidelines should be issued for cage sizes, species separation, and shelter requirements to prevent overcrowding and distress.
Surveillance and Monitoring: CCTV cameras and surprise inspections must be conducted regularly to ensure compliance with hygiene and welfare standards.
Rehabilitation and Relocation Plan: A public-private partnership model should be launched to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome sick or abandoned animals. NGOs and volunteer groups can play a key role here.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating shopkeepers and the public about humane animal treatment is essential. Incentives can also be introduced for vendors who maintain ethical standards.
We cannot let this cruelty continue under the shadow of commerce. The time has come for collective, coordinated action. This is not just a legal issue it is a moral one. And it is time we treated it as such.