Eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos is a part of growing up for most of us. Most of us buy our beloved “pets” at pet shops like they are commodities. Then we keep our dogs chained up even inside the house, make guinea pigs run around the wheel for food and keep beautiful birds in cages. We take pride in wearing wool and silk, gobble up McDonald’s burgers, and go to fishing trips for recreation. We never consider the impact of these actions on the animals involved. Then for what reason should animals have rights?

Animal rights in India? How many people in India do actually know that something called ‘animal rights’ even exist? In a country where fellow human beings are deprived of their fundamental rights laid down in the country’s constitution, how can we even expect people to grant animal rights to their fellow living beings? Can even one person say that they have not seen a sleeping stray dog being kicked or a street entertainer making a monkey dance for money? The plight of cows and stray dogs is a common sight in India. Is it not cruelty to let them roam around on the streets, and let them eat garbage dumped on the road sides, exposing them to being hit by fast moving traffic and also by shopkeepers whose goods they are destroying? When the animal has served its purpose and becomes old, infirm, or diseased the amber abandons it and leaves it on its own to suffer pangs of hunger and pain.

The Animal Welfare Board of India, the first of its kind Animal welfare organization to be established by any Government in the world, was set up in 1962, in accordance with Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Acts 1960. Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale pioneered the setting up of the Board, with its Headquarters at Chennai, and guided the activities of the Board for nearly twenty years till her demise in 1986. In 2000, the High Court in Kerala used the language of “rights” in relation to circus animals, ruling that they are “beings entitled to dignified existence” under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The ruling said that if human beings are entitled to these rights, animals should be too. The court went beyond the requirements of the Constitution that all living beings should be shown compassion, and said: “It is not only our fundamental duty to show compassion to our animal friends, but also to recognize and protect their rights.” In 2012, the Indian government issued an extensive ban of vivisection in education and research.

But even today, most Indians do not even recognize their acts as abuse towards the poor animals. Some try to blame it on our culture. Myths, legends and superstitions of black dogs still haunt our collective unconscious, illustrated by the difficulty black dogs often have being adopted from shelters. ‘Never cross the road if a black cat has crossed the road before you’ is one myth, which brings out the meanness of our society.  There is a great amount of fear in people even today when they see a black cat, or a cat crossing the road or path they are travelling upon. I have seen that people stop besides the road, or slow down their car/scooter and wait for another person to cross it, before they do so.  This shows the height of selfishness and meanness to which we go.  I think this is one baseless belief we are still carrying on, without thinking that a healthy animal is bound to move around whether we think it’s a good omen or bad. Animals being discriminated against on the basis of colour gives a whole new meaning to the word ‘racism’! But in our wide ranging mythologies, there are a few stories which teach people to love and care for animals too. Dogs are worshipped as a part of a five-day Tihar festival in some northern regions of India that falls roughly in November every year. It is believed that dogs guard the doors of Heaven and Hell. This is a day when the dog is worshipped by applying tika (the holy vermilion dot), incense sticks and garlanded generally with marigold flower. Sarama, the female dog of the gods, is described as the mother of all dogs. The dog (Shvan) is also the vahana or mount of the Hindu god Bhairava. Yudhisthira had approached heaven with his dog, therefore among many Hindus, the common belief exists that caring for dogs can also pave way to heaven. Cows are revered as the source of food and symbol of life and may never be killed. They may be worshipped during some festivals or at some places. Verses of the Rigveda refer to the cow as Devi (goddess), identified with Aditi (mother of the gods) herself. Despite their sacred status, cows don’t seem much appreciated in India. Visitors are often surprised to see them walking neglected around city streets, living on garbage from the gutters.

Animals surely deserve to live their lives free from suffering and exploitation. Even animals have the ability to suffer in the same way and to the same degree that humans do. They feel pain, pleasure, fear, frustration, loneliness, and motherly love. How can people be so heartless and use these creatures for scientific experimentation, medicines, cosmetics etc.? Whenever we consider doing something that would interfere with their needs, we are morally obligated to take them into account. Every creature with a will to live has a right to live free from pain and suffering. Animal rights are not just a philosophy—it is a social movement that challenges society’s traditional view that all non-human animals exist solely for human use. All living things have a right to live on this Earth but, we, very often become, totally, insensitive to their pain, only because animals can’t speak the language of humans, they don’t have a voice. But they are creations of God too and they have lives which cannot be governed by us, humans.

So the next time you see someone stoning a dog raise your voice against him; if you see an injured cow, try to help her or atleast ring up an animal shelter; if you find a baby bird on the ground, put it back in its nest. Making all Indians aware of animal rights and making them regard it as a serious issue will take many years but we must remember that ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step’.

The post Who’s the Real Animal? appeared first on Pet Attack.

If your own dog has ever gone missing, you know what a relief it is to get the phone call from someone who’s dialed the number on your dog’s collar or see your missing pet run to you at the local animal shelter. Critical in many of these owner-pet reunions a good samaritan found, held or chaperoned your dog to a safe place. Knowing how grateful we were or would be to them, we naturally feel like doing our part if we ever see a lost dog or a stray wandering on the streets.
Dogs have always been the best human counterparts. A symbiotic relationship developed between dogs and humans way back in the days of the cave men. Wolves and their puppies hung out at the camp fires of cave people looking for scrapes to eat and in turn they provided a benefit to the humans by keeping vermin at bay. Once you understand the nature of canines, it’s clear why the stray dogs adopt people and never leave. Wolves are pack animals that mean they are gregarious and social and need to stay together. An ostracized wolf, a lone wolf, couldn’t survive on its own. Since domestic dogs have descended from the wolves, they still have those wild instincts. Dogs always seek for company. They believe that a human will always help it thrive. Dogs who follow people home and adopt them will never leave their side because once they have had the experience of being hungry and suffering in extreme temperatures, they will choose family life over stray life.
Dog homelessness is a problem affecting millions of dogs even today. Though the cartoons and movies have glamorized the lifestyle of independent dogs, we all know that the daily life of a lonely street dog is much bleaker than is depicted on the screen. The following steps will help you safely rescue a dog from the streets.
1. Checking the urgency of the situation.
When you see an unattended dog on the streets your instincts will, on one hand, urge you to help but on the other hand you cannot take any decision. You will fear to make the situation worse. You don’t want to scare the dog unnecessarily and try to help only if its in need. There might not be a relevant situation for you to move on the path of animal heroism.
2. Determined Ownership.
You should make sure the first thing that the dog is actually alone and cannot be momentarily seperated from the owner. You can save yourself loads of time and hassle along with potential criminal charges while making sure that your dog is alone.
3. Analyzing the condition of the dog

Strays are two types- a dog seperated from its owner and a dog inherently without any home or family. Though both types are worthy of love and are in need of rescuing, there are additional concerns that need to be taken into consideration.
4. Protect yourself all the time.
Before finding a home for the stray, one must first capture and restrain the animal. It is a little dangerous as dogs can sometimes be defensive or even hostile due to prior abuse, neglect, sickness or its general temperament. If the dog turns violent, you should protect yourself with a dog barrier like a skateboard or a tennis racket but it should not appear as a weapon to the dog. Do not swing it at the dog in an attempt to impale them. It’s for your own safety and not meant to hurt the dig instead.
5. Building a rapport.
This is the most important thing you should do. Gaining trust through peace offering is good. A simple gesture like feeding with your own hand can build trust and open the lines of communication. You should never rush too fast. Go slow while making your approach towards the dog. Pause if it becomes frightened. Pay attention to what triggers an emotional response from the dog and be sensitive towards it. Move slowly and comfortably.
6. Bring rescue to your dog
Even if the dog behaves wildly, search for a proper shelter for him. Return them to a good home. Nowadays parents are getting microchips placed beneath the skin of their dog as a means of tracking their four-legged loved ones. It’s helpful if you want to ensure your dog’s safety.
7. Foster your rescue
If a proper home is yet to be located for your nee friend, you might want to consider adopting it temporarily or perhaps permanently. If you take the dog to the Human Society, a lot of times they do not take proper care of them. But if you are able to hold on to the dog for a quarrantine period of up to two weeks, they will then take the dog and provide it with all necessary vaccinations and tests.
8. Consult your family
The main concern is taking permission from your family, without which, bringing a stray dog home will prove to be your worst decision ever.
Still today, hundreds or more live in swamplands, sick and starving, diseased and injured, living under dangerous conditions. Starvation, dehydration are their regular companions and some are even dumped by human families who had once adopted them. So if you adopt such a dog, be generous and kind. Taking it to a vet, giving regular medical attention for the first few days against heatworm, parasitic diseases or acute injuries, seeking professional advice, complete check-up and sterilization, if needed should be done.
The SOCHI DOG KILLING CAMPAIGN has raised international interest in adopting street dogs from Sochi. Adopting a street dog will give you extreme happiness. Sit back and enjoy your new pet, see that all your difficulties and tensions vanish in a single go. Secure in the knowledge that you are a bonafide hero for saving the life of a poor fellow. 

The post STRAY BUT HUMAN- PART 2 appeared first on Pet Attack.

Beloved Humans, Remember Us? We are the dogs- poor, hungry, fighting to survive and fighting over everything else – You see us everyday on the streets yet act as if we are invisible. We live terribly, our babies are in despair. Please help us. We never had the fortune of being called a Pet, leave aside a sophisticated treatment. We are nameless, sad. We also wish for a life filled with bright lights. Please help us. We are neglected creatures, full of hardships. Give us a chance. Adopt us. Please help us. When We love you so much, why can’t You? Yours faithfully- Stray Dogs in danger.

Could strays write such letters, their lives would have been wonderful. These dogs try to voice their thoughts but never once do we make an attempt to listen to them. Everyone says that a dog is a man’s best friend. The fact is undeniable. But still some can never fulfill it. Ardent dog lovers have failed to understand why. Why can’t they be helpful to dog’s. Why can’t they bring a street dog home and raise it? Are all the claims of being so passionate about dogs just a fake promise or Do humans willingly fail at every step to become a loyal friend to his loyal dog?
Street dogs are innocent animals. They often look thin, malnourished, dirty and rough but they have a soft heart inside that beats only for you. You can always see a street pup foraging in the garbage heaps or playing with a bunch of dirty plastics with waste accumulated on the corner of the road. Street puppies always look at you with watery eyes as if asking you to take it home. They hardly bark when you bend forward to touch it. It is because they love your company and will continue loving you if you adopt it without leaving it on the road to die.

They are initially understanding in nature. There is a general belief that they will be difficult to train because of their aggressiveness and rowdiness. But this dog can be trained just like any other. Yes, you may hesitate to take them to a pet show or a dog exhibition but you always can. Once you treat your dog well, it will never leave any opportunity to impress you. We all buy dogs to display them to the world. Adopt one from the street and see that it will give you much more pleasure and contentment. Unlike the dogs which are bought, Street dogs can turn out to be more dignified and talented.
The ambiguity regarding the adoption of a stray is basically because we are so concerned about our health and temperament that we do not have that basic instinct to help others in distress. How ludicrous do we feel when we are down with fever or somehow bruise our hands. Then imagine the kind of pain they undergo when they are sick or hurt and trembling with fear, all alone with no roof to provide them shelter. These dogs, born and brought up on the streets wildly and ruggedly, are never given lessons on humanity nor any lectures on how to be helpful. Yet they are more humane than us, more noble and pure-hearted.
Love is unconditional, no matter where the love comes from. Any avid dog lover cannot un-notice a dog only because it belongs to the street. The love for dog exist everywhere, from store to the road. Have you ever looked at a puppy with hurt paws, cut by the sharp stones hurled at him by those wicked people? Have you ever looked at a dog with an injured and diseased body, writhing in pain, lying under the cool shade of a tree only to get some respite from the heat? Don’t you feel sad for them? Doesn’t these brutal images of plight haunt you like a nightmare? Why do we never think of taking them home? We don’t and this thought does not even cross our minds and we don’t ask ourselves the reason be that we are only bothered about showing how costly a dog we can afford than thinking at all about their well-being? Have we ever asked ourselves why we don’t feel for these little poor puppies quivering outside in the cold?
Wouldn’t it feel delightful to bring a street dog home and give it a shelter. Besides, the person will be blessed with unlimited love as long as the dog lives. Also there is no more happiness than having a furry dog companion at home for free. They are no less costly than a known breed. They will be of so much help to the household as well as the master. They are very social and highly alert dogs. They are extremely defensive about their human family and will make excellent watch dogs. They will require low maintenance than other breeds. They do not need grooming, pedigree food or a regular visit to a parlour. They are already habituated to facing harsh and extreme hostilities and their needs are simple and minimum without any refinement. All these years, there have been enough proof of their genorosity, loyalty, this never ending love and unassuming joy keeps on multiplying and radiating from your dog and when you come in contact with it, all your stress melts away like forever, you can feel it lasting for a lifetime. The mere passing of a street dog becomes the very reason for a big smile. You feel as if it winks back at you. That’s your love for a dog. You cannot merely discriminate between your pet dog and a street one. This kind of the so claimed dog persons I always hate. Street dogs can be far better than what you think them to be. Yes, they might not trust you on the first go, considering the history of humans, how we behave with them disgracefully, but a little love can go a long way. And when it comes to unquestionable faith on them, ask a security guard about it. Such dogs devotedly come forward to volunteer them in their job.
Just throwing a biscuit towards a stray might assure you for the moment but the dog will certainly look forward to more affection and acceptance. It is sad that they are devoid of that one chance to feel loved.
They are not ‘proper or perfect as pets’ is the very silly reason we give to defend ourselves. But what does our conditions of being ‘very perfect’ require? Fair? Clean? Handsome? Beautiful, with a soothing voice? But have you ever realized that shared love can be the stepping stone for a good friendship. And when it comes to the matters of the heart, physical traits are never counted. There is no justifiable reason for not loving them, be it rough or wild or inexpressive. We never shed drops of tear when we see a street dog dying in front of us. Bringing home one and see how it cries when you are in pain. What you don’t do a dog will do for its entire life. All your misjudgement and hatred will vanish and prove how wrong you were to undermine that poor fellow. No. Your house doesn’t need any fancy dog but a dog which will teach you the fundamentals of life.
If you cannot bring it home, set up shelters for them. Feed them daily. Take care of them whenever you are free from work. Know that you are saving a dozen lives which will eventually transform into goodwill and come back to you in many folds in time of need. Strays will always find a way of showing gratitude towards you for saving his life with unassuming joy, love and care. It’s high time we become aware that abandoning the strays does no good to the society. Stray dogs will love to live in your society if you provide good facilities for medical care, feeding, shelter and clothing. We are a brighter and intellectual species. So why leave them to the hands of abuse?

The post STRAY BUT HUMAN- PART 1 appeared first on Pet Attack.

You are all set to finally have a pet. You’ve made all the necessary arrangements. And of course, you are utterly excited. But sometimes, something or the other always gets in the way. It could be financial constraints or spatial or time issues. And more often than not, the other members of your family do not love pets enough to have them in the house, as a part of their daily life. You try so hard to get them on your side, to get them to see, why you absolutely must have one, but to no avail. The reasons range from it being considered a bad investment, to genuine allergic reactions. In such cases, one must look at other alternatives to satisfy one’s craving of a pet.

When financial constraints, especially the initial investment is a matter of concern, such as in case of dogs, the easiest alternative is to adopt. You can adopt a lonely pup off the streets, and make sure it is well-immunized before getting too close to it, or you can also visit the local dog pound. In fact every few months, most cities host adoption camps for dogs and cats, where for a minimal price you can take home any pet of your choice; as long as you can assure the responsible authorities that you will treat them well.

This is an incredible way of contributing to a social cause that also happens to be close to your heart. You are saving a poor adorable soul from a life of misery or even imminent death and at the same time, you get to call someone your very own, and reap the benefits of a pet. At the same time, as is evident from the lack of services that cater to all the disowned animals on the street, you are doing your city a service by reducing the load on its resources, which are required for proper treatment of these animals.

Another way you can have the sense of being a pet owner, is when you have the option of choosing any animal as a pet of your own, with no legal responsibilities, per se. This is possible, when you start of regular feeding a stray animal in your locality or on your regular travel routes. You could choose a specific dog or a cat or even a cow, depending on which animal you see most often. You can choose one or more animals. The more you choose, the multiple are your rewards.

There is practically nothing else that you need to except provide them with a safe, edible meal regularly, but you can also choose to aid them in their physical well being with the help of a vet. This simple act of kindness will not go unacknowledged in the eyes of the animal or your peers. This will earn you goodwill amongst all, and the love and loyalty that it comes with from these beloved animals is incomparable. If you ever feel lonely, you can turn to them for comfort and security. They might even protect you from other more daunting peer.

Most zoos nowadays give its patrons the option of adopting one of its animals. It goes without saying that this does not involve you taking the said animal home, but just making sure it is well taken care of by providing the necessary stipulated funds. This makes sure that the animals gets its fair share of resources regularly and is in good health. You can adopt animals like lions and tigers to snakes, birds, turtles and deer, based on the availability of the animal in the zoo. You also have the option of choosing the time period during which you wish to assist the zoo financially. It could be monthly or annual.

Volunteering is another great way you can avail the benefits of living with pets. The volunteering can be practiced at zoos, during awareness drives, your neighbors’ or even at some veterinarian’s clinic. The work involved could be menial to daunting but you get to be around animals the whole time. At the zoo, the animals in question are different and depending on the zoos capability, the tasks you manage may or may not involve direct contact. Volunteering at a clinic, while you may not do any actual medical procedure, you learn a lot, meet tons of like minded people, comfort pets in distress and of course enjoy the joy radiating from healed pets. The easiest of the lot, is walking your neighbor’s dog. They might be busy and have insufficient time to spend with them; you can chime in and bask in the pet’s love with no strings attached. One might even be able to treat this as a viable source of income, if you do it well.

The benefits of being around pets for the young to the old have been described and documented many times. And when you can experience the same without much of a commitment, you will understand if you can really take care of them. This saves a lot of efforts, on your part as well as that of the pet. Also, as you learn, you never know, as a young student, you might just consider to make it your profession.

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