Adolescents' Perception Of Animal Cruelty In Gulshan-E-Maymar

The mixed-methods study investigates how 50 adolescents (20 males, 30 females) in Gulshan-E- Maymar, Karachi, perceive animal cruelty. Findings reveal a profound "Cognitive Dissonance Gap": despite 94% exposure and high moral awareness (78%), 60% of participants view these acts as "normal." A significant "Desensitization Awareness Gap" exists where 54% recognize desensitization in others, but only 24% admit to it personally. Family attitudes are the primary predictor of response, with intervention rates dropping from 93% in "kind" families to 33% in "harsh" ones. Institutional failure is widespread; 76% of participants never report cruelty, and those who do face a 75% adult dismissal rate. Participants were classified into a spectrum: High Empathy (50%), Conflicted Middle (34%), Normalized (8%), and Concerning (8%). The study concludes that policy must shift from "awareness" to structural empowerment through anonymous reporting systems and adult accountability. The study concludes that moral education alone is insufficient given that adolescents already recognize cruelty; instead, policy must focus on structural empowerment through anonymous reporting systems and adult accountability protocols.