Introduction
God has created this planet and every living being with a purpose. We are all here playing our roles. Every living being has a right to live, and not just live but to be free. But sadly, human species has become savage.
We are no longer ‘humane humans’ but ‘beastly humans’. We torturing animals for reasons best suited to us. And, this is the sad reality of today’s modern and educated world. We being the intelligent species have to stop animal cruelty and save animals.
Switching Roles!
To begin with, what is animal cruelty?
Animal cruelty or animal abuse, is the act of violence, inflicting pain and suffering on those poor creatures. It is an act of harming them for any reason or purpose other than self defense and survival.
Why don’t we for once keep ourselves in their place and imagine being tortured, being treated as ‘lab rats’, our skin being torn off, and limbs being ripped apart when we are alive or may be losing our life just to satisfy some other species. How does that sound? Does that make you happy? I am sure, NOT!
Even they have a heart and feelings. They breathe just like we do, so why is human species considered a superior species. Is this because we can speak and think, while they cannot. And if yes, then I would like to ask you that why is a lipstick or a mascara more important to us than a living organism. Food for thought!
Ways in which animal cruelty can happen
Out of negligence
- First, When collar is tightly embedded around their neck.
- Second, Not properly fed.
- Third, No treatment given for any kinds of wounds and skin conditions.
- Fourth, Signs of malnutrition: bones easily visible, not able to stand or walk properly.
- Next, Not providing them proper and clean shelter away from heat, cold and rain.
- Finally, Not acknowledging their changed behavioral patterns.
Basically, it is failing to provide them necessary care required for their survival.
Willful negligence
- First, When they are abandoned and left to die, intentionally.
- Second, Laboratory experiments on them.
- Third, Mutilating them or stabbing them.
- Next, Performing sacrificial rituals.
- Finally, Torturing them for entertainment or money.
Either way the animal suffers badly and extended period of negligence can led to their compromised health or even death.
10 ways to prevent cruelty
- First, Be kind and empathetic.
- Second, Go out of your way to give positive experiences to your pet apart from the basics.
- Third, Learn about animal cruelty signs and neglect. Plus, intervene or report whenever you witness any such case.
- Fourth, We must educate our children to love and respect animals.
- Also, Demand for better and stricter laws for the protection and well-being of animals.
- Next, Volunteer, Provide necessary care and shelter to animals in need.
- In addition, Adopt a stray animal.
- Also, Go Vegan.
- Finally, Help and teach people take care of their pets.
Stand up against the use of animals for entertainment purpose. For instance: bull fighting, horse riding, forcing bears, elephants .. to perform in circuses etc.
Animal friendly laws in India
We have to stop animal cruelty and save animals. For this, there are several laws that have come into effect. But, we must demand for more stricter and effective laws.
- It is the fundamental duty of every citizen of India to have compassion for all living creatures. Article 51A(g).
- To kill or maim any animal, including stray animals, is a punishable offence. IPC Sections 428 and 429.
20th Century
(1945-1960)
- First, Abandoning any animal for any reason can land you in prison for up to three months. Section 11(1)(i) and Section 11(1)(j), PCA Act, 1960.
- Second, Neglecting an animal by denying her sufficient food, water, shelter and exercise or by keeping him chained/confined for long hours is punishable by a fine or imprisonment of up to 3 months or both. Section 11(1)(h), PCA Act, 1960.
- Third, Bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers, lions and bulls are prohibited from being trained and used for entertainment purposes, either in circuses or streets. Section 22(ii), PCA Act, 1960
- Fourth, Organizing of or participating in or inciting any animal fight is a cognizable offence. Section 11(1)(m)(ii) and Section 11(1)(n), PCA Act, 1960.
- Finally, Cosmetics tested on animals and the import of cosmetics tested on animals is banned. Rules 148-C and 135-B of Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
(1960-2000)
- First, Teasing, feeding or disturbing the animals in a zoo and littering the zoo premises is an offence punishable by a fine of Rs. 25000 or imprisonment of up to three years or both. Section 38J, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Second, Capturing, trapping, poisoning or baiting of any wild animal or even attempting to do so is punishable by law, with a fine of up to Rs. 25000 or imprisonment of up to seven years or both. Section 9, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Third, Disturbing or destroying eggs or nests of birds and reptiles or chopping a tree having nests of such birds and reptiles or even attempting to do so constitutes to hunting and attracts a punishment of a fine of up to Rs. 25000, or imprisonment of up to seven years or both. Section 9, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Fourth, Conveying or carrying animals whether in or upon any vehicle, in any manner or position which causes discomfort, pain or suffering is a punishable offence under two Central Acts. Section 11(1)(d) Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (Transport of Animal) Rules, 2001 and Motor Vehicles Act 1978.
- Finally, Monkeys cannot be displayed or owned and are protected under the Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972.
21st Century
- First, Animal sacrifice is illegal in every part of the country. Rule 3, Slaughterhouse Rules, 2001.
- Second, No animal (including chickens) can be slaughtered in any place other than a slaughterhouse. Sick or pregnant animals shall not be slaughtered. Rule 3, of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (Slaughterhouse) Rules, 2001 and Chapter 4, Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011.
- Third, Stray dogs that have been operated for birth control cannot be captured or relocated by anybody including any authority. ABC Rules, 2001.
Conclusion.
The trend has long prevailed now and is also raising concerns among many. Animals should be able to live freely and not suffer. We must put an end to such crimes.
We should all come ahead and voice the sufferings of the dumb animals. Animals are our friends and we must must treat them that way! All the species need to co-exist harmoniously. We must stop animal cruelty and save animals!
