Importance of Animal Welfare
Animals bring immense joy, and the companionship of a pet at home is among life’s most gratifying experiences. Observing animals in their natural habitats, a common practice during visits to sanctuaries and wildlife parks, serves as a powerful reminder of our planet’s beauty and diverse ecosystems. While humans share the Earth with a myriad of flora and fauna, we carry a disproportionate responsibility for the well-being of all beings. This duty demands not only the development of appropriate infrastructure but also a compassionate approach.
In the context of India, a country where humans and animals have coexisted for millennia, it is disheartening to witness occasional tarnishing of this rich legacy through acts of physical violence, emotional abuse, and life-threatening neglect, particularly in urban areas and farms. The victims of animal cruelty, as reported, often include dogs, cats, horses, and farm animals.
A report jointly published by the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations (FIAPO) and All Creatures Great and Small (ACGS) reveals a staggering number—493,910 animals fell victim to crimes committed by humans between 2010 and 2020. Disturbingly, over 2,300 of these incidents involved intentional acts of violence leading to the animal’s death or irreparable harm. Notably, this statistic may not encompass farm animals, which typically fall outside the scope of animal cruelty laws or have fewer legal protections compared to domestic pets.
Importance of Animal Welfare
Amidst these challenges, supporting initiatives like “Donate to Gau Mata” becomes crucial for making a positive impact on animal welfare. By contributing to such efforts, we can play a role in saving thousands of cows and addressing the broader issue of animal well-being. Donating to Gau Mata not only aids in the care and protection of these sacred animals but also contributes to building a compassionate society that respects and values the lives of all creatures.
Defining animal cruelty as the commission of crimes resulting in the infliction of pain, suffering, or death upon animals, another crucial aspect is animal neglect. This neglect involves the withholding of fundamental survival necessities such as food, water, and shelter, ultimately leading to the animals’ suffering, death, or exposure to imminent danger. The Covid-19 pandemic witnessed a surge in pet abandonments due to baseless and unscientific beliefs that pets could transmit the virus. Even if pets were carriers, we didn’t abandon or exile our human family members who contracted the virus; instead, we cared for their welfare, highlighting the importance of extending similar compassion to animals.
Importance of Animal Welfare
Beyond fostering empathy, society requires a robust infrastructure staffed by professionals dedicated to maintaining animal welfare. While commendable efforts by the government and charitable organizations have led to the establishment of animal shelters, there is a pressing need to expand and enhance their quality. Equally essential are skilled personnel, including not only veterinarians but also para-veterinarians, akin to para-medical healthcare workers for humans.
A comprehensive approach involves widespread training programs for these professionals, deploying them strategically across the country. The current imperative is to collectively work towards establishing institutions offering large-scale courses in both medical and para-medical fields, utilizing existing expertise efficiently and cost-effectively. A promising avenue for progress is through public-private partnerships.
Importance of Animal Welfare
Every creature, much like every human, deserves a life marked by dignity and care. The solutions, though not intricate, necessitate society’s heightened focus on fostering harmonious and joyful coexistence among all living beings. Transforming animal welfare into a widespread movement is imperative.
Also checkout our Youtube Channel
Leave A Comment