How much is that fur coat you purchased really worth? Just a few thousands? -Or maybe a life?
Every year thousands of animals are skinned alive for their fur to make garments of all kinds. But this is not the only kind of cruelty towards animals. According to statistics every year 10,000 dogs die in illegal dog fighting. 3 to 4 million cats and dogs (healthy and adoptable) are euthanized every year in shelters. In the United States alone 1.13 million animals are used in testing and research every year – while there are other equally or more effective methods for developing new cosmetics and drug products. For us animal lovers these facts and statistics seem shocking and repulsive, but unfortunately not everyone thinks the way we do. To prevent animal cruelty we must first and foremost be more aware about it. Therefore the most basic knowledge to have is that there are two types of animal cruelty, active and passive. The formal definition of these would be, ACTIVE CRUELTY, which is cruelty inflicted (with deliberate intent to harm an animal creating immediate pain and suffering), and PASSIVE CRUELTY (harm inflicted via wilful neglect creating prolonged suffering).
Animal abuse mainly occurs because animals are not considered as significant as human beings and thus their feelings are not taken into account. We must understand that animals are “sentient” creature and just because they cannot express pain does not mean they cannot feel it. This is of course not the only reason for cruelty, it is difficult to tell what drives people to perform such acts of violence. Cruelty can be in any form, from negligence of domesticated animals to slaughter houses. Animals are one of the most pure hearted creatures and will not harm humans unless they feel threatened. Thus an animal that has been harmed will naturally be more aggressive towards human beings, this shows that violence towards animals is harmful for the perpetuator as well as the victim. Personally I believe there is a lot to learn from them, like how they only need the most basic and simple things to make them happy, how if given a chance they will prove to be more loyal that any human can ever be and most of all, how they live and let live. Pet owners know what I mean when I say that animals can bring more happiness in your life than you ever imagined. Harming these innocent souls for materialistic purposes seems so wrong and almost monstrous. It is also interesting to note that according to reports most people who harm their pets also turn out to be accused of domestic violence and other forms of criminal acts. Those who are violent towards other beings are very capable of being a threat to humans as well. This is another reason states should take animal protection acts more seriously.
Animal cruelty laws exist around the world but they are not as specific as we would like them to be. They are also not very well implemented across states. In countries like China animal protection laws are almost negligent and recent news have reported widespread skinning and other harmful acts towards animals in the country. In India the two main laws are The Prevention to Cruelty against Animal Act and Wildlife Protection Act. These two laws cover most harmful acts that take place against animals but since most people are not aware of the laws, they have not been implemented properly. Being a bystander to animal cruelty is as immoral as performing the act itself. Animals cannot speak which means we are their voice and it is up to us to fight for their rights. Small things like stopping kids from throwing stones at dog, feeding your colony cat or dog and using animal-cruelty free products goes a long way in saving these harmless creatures, after all charity begins at home right?
The internet itself is such a large portal for all kinds of information. So finding out more about animal cruelty and little acts like sharing it via social media takes very little of your time and it is for a good cause. If you do happen to be witness to any such cruelty please contact the nearest animal welfare NGO, animal Hospital or even the police. On a National level the Police are responsible to protect animals. Some of the animal helplines available are:
Helpline Mumbai +91-9320056581, 022-32681418
PFA Gurgaon: 9811703501
PFA Haryana: 98130 10595
People for Animals (PFA) is an organization that rescues and provides shelter for animals. They have hospitals around the country which treat the animals and put them up for adoption. They welcome any volunteer work or funds that are provided to them.
Animals see and feel just like we do, so it is not fair to treat them without any reverence or respect. All they need is a little love and attention and they will dedicate the rest of their lives to you. The wildlife is an integral part of our ecosystem and without them, the world will not survive. Protecting these helpless beings is our duty and a good job does not go un-noticed.