News Desk
KARACHI, — In a nation where dogs are often viewed through a religious and cultural lens as impure, their theft—sometimes for resale, revenge, or sheer monetary gain—has become an unlikely yet increasingly common crime.
The latest incident in Karachi’s affluent Defence Housing Authority (DHA) neighborhood underscores this paradox. A dog trainer named Nelson recently reported that two Siberian Huskies were stolen from a private bungalow, allegedly by someone he considered a friend. The suspect, Eric, had reportedly familiarized himself with the pets in the days leading up to the theft, before deceiving his way into taking them and fleeing. Police have launched an investigation.
The theft of expensive dog breeds is not an anomaly. Over the years, Karachi has seen a rise in pet-related crimes, especially involving foreign breeds that can fetch exorbitant prices on the black market. The demand for Huskies, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers remains high, despite the broader social stigma surrounding dogs.
Pakistan’s cultural stance on dogs is complex. While working dogs—used for security or hunting—are somewhat accepted, many Muslims in the country adhere to the belief that dogs are ritually impure. Islamic teachings, as interpreted by many, discourage keeping dogs as pets due to concerns of spiritual cleanliness. Consequently, dogs are often relegated to the margins of society, seen as either strays or as practical tools rather than beloved companions. Yet, paradoxically, a burgeoning elite class is increasingly embracing pet ownership, especially in cities like Karachi and Lahore, where Western lifestyles and luxury pet culture are gaining traction.
This tension between perception and practice was further exemplified in a disturbing case from 2023, when a rare dog named Joji was allegedly stolen and later found brutally killed. The crime, which involved a police constable and four other suspects, reportedly stemmed from an earlier dispute between the dog’s owner and the perpetrators.
The assailants, according to the police report, had not only stolen Joji but also inflicted severe burns before abandoning the body in a trash pile.
Such incidents highlight a contradiction: even as segments of Pakistani society reject dogs on religious grounds, the economic incentives and status associated with certain breeds have fueled a black market for them. The theft of expensive dogs, once a rarity, is now a growing concern, particularly in wealthier neighborhoods where pet ownership is more common.
As Karachi grapples with rising crime, the paradox of dog theft persists—a curious reflection of a society where pets are both coveted and condemned, cherished and discarded. And until a cultural shift occurs, expensive dogs will likely remain both a status symbol and a target for theft, caught between admiration and aversion.
Yet, despite these cases making headlines, law enforcement responses remain inconsistent. While police have registered cases and initiated probes, convictions in pet-related crimes are rare. Moreover, the social indifference toward dogs often means that justice for stolen or harmed pets is not pursued as rigorously as it would be for crimes involving other forms of property.
