Voice Against Animal Abuse!

Despite some of the best animal protection laws in the world and a renowned heritage of reverence for life, modern India is a country where millions of animals suffer severe neglect or abuse. Overpopulation, poverty, pollution, superstition, apathy and ignorance all contribute to their plight. In a country where human misery and impoverishment remain high, the welfare of destitute animals is a low priority.

Every day in India, animals are beaten, neglected, abandoned or forced to go through a traumatic life. Left in unsanitary conditions with no food and water, they have little hope as they live out their days without the compassion they deserve. Some are found and rescued, given the chance to experience how great life and humans can be; others aren't so lucky.

To grow as a nation, we must fight for these abused animals' rights and severely punish heartless owners. It is up to us to speak for these creatures who lack a voice, for who will if we don't?

In a recent report, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have come out with embarrassing facts about the circus lives of animals. According to their reports, various prominent circuses do not practice what they preach and indulge in cruelty on a routine basis. No institute or individual looks after the training sessions of the circuses. Tight collars, whips, beatings and torture are the order of the day for the animals of the circus. 

The animals in circuses are also routinely and dangerously exposed to various diseases. In some cases, they were not provided with basic medical first aid. Tuberculosis is seen as a major disease for the elephants in circuses. Some instances show that the elephants were not treated medically for wounds inflicted during beatings and other natural causes. Circuses have known to keep a large amount of topsoil ready, to camouflage the wounds and the blood on the elephants.

Possibly, the worst case of animal cruelty in film was seen in the movie, 'Cannibal Holocaust'. Though the movie waded in troubled waters ever since it was released, it was proven than at least six animals, a muskrat, a pig, a monkey, a snake, a turtle and a large spider were killed for the sake of the film. It has been said that the scene depicting the monkey had to shot twice, and therefore, two monkeys were sacrificed for movie realism.

Despite widespread concern and condemnation, animals are subjected to enormous torture and abuse. It is not only the responsibility of the government and NGO'S to fight for the welfare of these creatures, but as a society, the onus is on us to make a collective effort. We shed a tear on the condition of animals and move on to get that latest collection of 'fur-dress'. There are many explanations that have been given in support of animal slaughter, but nothing justifies taking away someone's life - even if the stakes are too high.

Animals deserve rights, regardless of how they taste or how convenient it is to experiment on them. Here are some shocking statistics:

·       Every year 9 billion chickens are raised and killed for meat in the US.

·       Every year 1 billion animals are slaughtered by the leather industry.

·       Every year 100 million animals die in experiments and tests.

·       Every year 3 to 4 million cats and dogs (healthy and adoptable) are euthanized.

The above given statistics are not only shocking but also disturbing and we must raise voice against it. You can help stop animal abuse by raising awareness. You can raise awareness in ways including the web, giving out leaflets and flyers, putting up posters, using your voice, displaying messages on your clothing/other accessories, doing school or college projects or through protests and demonstrations.

It is our job to be the voice for creatures who cannot speak up for themselves. As a nation we need to make it our priority to come together and ensure the safety of our beloved pets.

As Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”