Karachi pangolin passes away
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing away of the rescued pangolin in Karachi. He could not make it through the night due to severe internal injuries from the five bullets so ruthlessly pumped into his body. The pangolin was rescued in the early hours of Sunday morning, January 24th from the posh neighbourhood of Zamzama in Karachi. A security guard outside a house claimed the pangolin was attacking him and shot him five times. 3 of the bullets lodged into the abdomen, while 2 in the front of the body.
When Dr. Ali Ayaz arrived on the scene, the pangolin’s intestines were trailing on the road, and one of the front legs was completely broken, with the bones visible. An area resident alerted us to the incident, after stopping several men from harassing the creature with a stick after the shooting.
The Sindh Wildlife Department is investigating the crime and we hope they will take legal action against the people involved under the relevant wildlife laws. Pangolins are endangered mammals native to South Asia and are a protected species in Pakistan. They are the world’s most trafficked mammal. The Sindh Wildlife Department is mandated to protect it and take legal action in case of an offence.
Several papers covered the story. Do comment on their posts today, thanking them for the coverage of animal welfare and wildlife issues.
DAWN: Woman saves pangolin shot five times by security guard
DAWN: Pangolin with gunshot wounds fighting for life
Tribune: Security guard shoots pangolin five times in Karachi: PAWS
ARY News: Security guard shoots pangolin in Karachi
Pakistan Today: Pangolin shot at five times rescued
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