ARSHAD KHAN
Kashmir, once known for its rich cultural heritage and simple way of life, is now witnessing a peculiar shift. A growing fascination with Western culture, particularly the trend of pet adoption, is overshadowing traditional values and creating a distorted sense of priorities. While love for animals is a noble sentiment, the way it is being manifested in Kashmir raises some serious questions.
It’s not uncommon to see pets living lavish lifestyles, adorned with expensive clothes and accessories, while a significant portion of the human population struggles to make ends meet. People are spending excessive amounts on pet grooming, designer outfits, and fancy accessories for their animals, while many families struggle to afford basic necessities like food, education, and healthcare. This disparity highlights a disturbing trend of misplaced priorities, where the well-being of pets is prioritized over the needs of fellow human beings.
The rise of social media influencers like Mateena Geelani, who promote pet grooming and showcase pets in extravagant ways, has further fueled this trend. These influencers often portray a glamorous image of pet ownership, showcasing pets in bags, pet shops, and even borrowing clothes for them. This creates a perception that pet ownership is a status symbol, encouraging people to acquire pets for the wrong reasons.
The trend of carrying dogs and cats in vehicles and bags has become increasingly common in Kashmir, particularly among young girls. This practice not only objectifies the animals but also poses risks to their safety and well-being. Pets confined to bags or vehicles are deprived of proper ventilation and exercise, which can lead to health problems and behavioral issues.
The surge in cat bite cases at Kashmir’s SMHS Hospital is a direct consequence of the lack of awareness and responsible pet ownership. With over 6,500 incidents reported this year alone, it is clear that many cat owners are not taking adequate precautions to prevent bites. This includes neglecting vaccinations, failing to provide proper training and socialization, and allowing cats to roam freely outdoors.
The increasing number of stray animals in Kashmir is another cause for concern. Many people acquire pets without considering the long-term commitment involved. When they are no longer able or willing to care for their pets, they abandon them on the streets, adding to the growing population of stray animals. These animals often suffer from hunger, disease, and neglect, and they also pose a threat to public health and safety.
The government and animal welfare organizations need to take proactive steps to address these issues. This includes launching public awareness campaigns to educate people about responsible pet ownership, promoting spaying and neutering to control the stray animal population, and enforcing stricter regulations on pet ownership.
It is important to remember that helping the needy doesn’t come with cute filters or viral reels. Feeding trends is easier than feeding the needy, but it is not the right thing to do. We must prioritize the needs of our fellow human beings and ensure that everyone has access to basic necessities like food, shelter, education, and healthcare.
The trend of pet adoption in Kashmir is not inherently bad, but it is important to approach it with a sense of responsibility and awareness. We must ensure that our love for animals does not come at the expense of human well-being. By promoting responsible pet ownership, addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, and prioritizing the needs of our fellow human beings, we can create a more just and compassionate society for all.
