By Sahil Sajad
In recent years, the love and compassion for animals has seen a significant rise, not just globally but also in Kashmir. More and more people have begun keeping pets, with Persian cats and dogs becoming beloved companions in many households. The therapeutic benefits of pets—reducing stress and providing comfort—are well-known, but among all animals, horses hold a uniquely profound place in both our history and hearts.
Horses have long been associated with nobility and strength, revered by kings and emperors alike. In times past, they were symbols of royalty, power, and prestige. Maharajas of India, Mughal emperors, and British aristocrats all regarded horses as a mark of status and grandeur. While the advent of modern vehicles may have replaced them for many, horses have once again found their place, not just among the wealthy but in the daily lives of people in Kashmir’s scenic landscapes like Pahalgam and Gulmarg. Here, they are a vital part of the economy, offering rides to tourists and serving as loyal companions for local communities.
For the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, horses, along with mules and donkeys, are much more than just animals—they are lifelines. These animals carry their burdens, both literally and figuratively, as the communities move between lowlands and highlands in their search for greener pastures. Horses and mules transport not only people but also heavy loads like food, tents, firewood, and supplies—things that are essential for survival in the remote, mountainous regions where modern vehicles cannot go. In many ways, these animals are the heartbeat of their nomadic existence, tirelessly walking through rough terrain, helping their owners maintain their traditional way of life.
But despite their deep bond with humans and their long history of service, many horses are abandoned when they are no longer “useful.” It is a heartbreaking reality. While many pet owners ensure that their dogs and cats are well-cared for and receive medical attention when needed, horses, often injured or sick, are left behind, forgotten and discarded. These noble creatures, once symbols of strength and beauty, suffer alone, enduring unimaginable pain with no one to help them.
I recently witnessed such a tragedy near my home. A horse lay in excruciating pain, with a broken hip and fractured leg, immobile for days without food or water. People passed by, murmuring their sympathies, but no one stopped to ease the animal’s suffering. Days went by, and still the horse lay there, unnoticed by those who had once relied on it for transport and work. The neglect was unbearable to witness, a silent scream of pain that echoed through the cold air.
It wasn’t until two compassionate young women—Dr Arbeena Altaf and her friend Dr Arooj Ashiq—saw the horse’s agony and could not walk away. They brought food and water, staying with the animal, watching over it when no one else would. It was only through their relentless efforts that a vet was finally contacted. Dr. Peerzada Suhail Ahmad (VAS) arrived and began treatment, but it was too late. As the treatment unfolded, it became painfully clear that the horse’s condition was far too severe to recover from. Despite all efforts, the injuries were beyond healing, and it was evident that keeping the animal alive would only prolong its suffering. In this moment of deep sorrow, the Director of Animal Husbandry in Anantnag was approached for help. With compassion and urgency, they took immediate action, seeking permission from the Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag for euthanasia. The municipal committee also stepped in, offering their assistance to ensure the horse’s remains were handled with dignity and respect.
What followed was a collective effort of kindness. The entire process—permission, euthanasia, and the respectful disposal—was completed the same day. Though it was heartbreaking to let the animal go, it was comforting to see people come together in such a thoughtful and humane way. The willingness of everyone involved to ease the horse’s pain and ensure a peaceful end brought a small sense of solace in an otherwise heavy moment. It was a reminder that, even in the face of loss, compassion and cooperation can shine through, offering some solace amidst the sadness. The loss left a deep sorrow in the hearts of those who had shown it kindness, a reminder that love and care for animals should never be based on their utility to us.
From an Islamic perspective, horses have always been held in high regard. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) praised the care of animals, especially horses, and referred to them as a source of blessings. Islam teaches us that all creatures, great and small, deserve kindness. The Prophet said, “Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself,” emphasizing that compassion should be universal and without bias. Horses, in particular, have been honored in Islamic tradition not only for their strength and grace but for their loyalty and service to mankind. They are a reminder of the dignity of all living beings, and it is our duty as humans to care for them.
True compassion is not selective. It is not only about caring for the pets that live inside our homes, those that we play with and pamper. Compassion must extend to the animals that serve us in silence—the ones that work tirelessly to carry our burdens, the ones that suffer alone when we no longer find them useful. The way we treat these animals is a reflection of our humanity.
In Kashmir, where the people are known for their warmth and hospitality, it is disheartening to witness the cruel neglect of animals, especially the horses, mules, and donkeys that are abandoned when they are injured or no longer able to work. Nomadic communities like the Bakarwals, who rely on these animals for their livelihood, sometimes leave them behind or worse, slaughter them when they are no longer able to serve their purpose. This inhumane treatment cannot continue. These animals are not disposable—they are living beings that feel pain and suffering just like we do.
It is time for us to recognize our responsibility toward all animals, not just the ones that bring us joy. We must advocate for stronger laws to protect them, ensuring that no animal is left to suffer in silence. We must also take action when we see an animal in pain, whether it is a pet or a stray. A simple act of kindness—a bowl of water, a call to a vet—can mean the difference between life and death for a creature in need.
The story of that injured horse lingers in my mind, a poignant reminder of how easily we forget the lives that serve us. I urge everyone, in Kashmir and beyond, to remember that compassion is not selective. Whenever you see an animal in pain, do not look away. Help in any way you can. If you cannot, then contact someone who can. Every life matters, and our humanity is measured by how we treat those who cannot speak for themselves.
Let us rise to the call of compassion that exists in all of us and honor the animals that share this earth with us. Whether they are pets or strays, strong or weak, they deserve our care, our respect, and our love.
- The author is a student at SKAUST Kashmir
