The State of Dairy and Farm Animal Welfare in Pakistan: A Call to Action for Sustainable Livestock Production

Livestock is the backbone of Pakistan’s agricultural economy, contributing nearly 15% to the national GDP and over 60% to the agricultural GDP. It sustains more than eight million rural households and plays a central role in ensuring food and nutritional security. Despite this importance, animal welfare remains one of the most overlooked aspects of livestock production. The living conditions of buffaloes, cattle, dairy cows, sheep, goats, camels, and working equines often fall short of basic welfare standards. Poor nutrition, limited veterinary access, heat stress, lack of shade and water, and outdated legislation continue to affect animal well-being and farm productivity. Pakistan’s livestock population includes about 45 million cattle, 44 million buffaloes, 32 million sheep, 83 million goats, over one million camels, and nearly five million horses and donkeys. Welfare practices vary across regions and systems. Studies indicate that heat stress can reduce cattle feeding activity by up to 20%, while welfare-based management can increase productivity by 15%. A camel welfare survey in southern Punjab revealed that most animals lacked shade and water, and nearly a third experienced rough handling—though over half still showed calm behavior toward caretakers. Small ruminants and dairy animals in arid areas face seasonal feed and water shortages, disease risks, and inadequate veterinary coverage. Nationally, the outdated 1890 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act remains poorly enforced. However, the newly proposed National Animal Health, Welfare, and Veterinary Public Health Bill (2024) represents progress, promoting a “One Health” approach that integrates animal, human, and environmental well-being. Encouragingly, organizations like SPCA Punjab and universities are raising awareness about animal care. Yet, working animals still face overwork and neglect. Improving housing, nutrition, heat-stress management, humane handling, and precision livestock farming can make Pakistan’s livestock sector more sustainable, productive, and compassionate.