Recognising Animal Welfare as a Societal Emergency

Recognising Animal Welfare as a Societal Emergency

 The Vedas, the holy scripture of Hinduism dating to second millennium BCI has taught us ahimsa or nonviolence towards all living beings and to san cruelty to animals. Both Buddhism and Jainism abhor killing and sacrifice of animals. Ashoka the Great through his edicts preached compassion for all being. As a measure of respect many animals are aligned with Hindu gods and goddesses and worshiped through ages. Goumata or Kamdhenu is one of them. Among wildlife lion and elephants adore the main entrance – Singhadwara of Hindu temples. This in itself sends a message to be kind to all lovable and beautiful creation of God. From this emanates the concept of ANIMAL WELFARE.

The concept of animal welfare is not a modern one but dates back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of animal protection laws in ancient Greece, Rome, and India. However, it was not until the 19th century that the modern animal welfare movement emerged, with the establishment of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in 1824. However, past efforts focused on improving treatment of working animals, reducing cruelty, and promoting kindness.

Animal welfare is a global concern. In the present scenario no country can claim to be a haven for animal welfare but some are worse than others. India, with its vast population and diverse culture faces unique challenges in ensuring animal welfare. Furthermore, India’s rapid growth, population explosion, and market demands make animal welfare a critical issue. India’s animal population faces numerous challenges. Poaching of elephants, tigers and pangolins are reported regularly. The chaotic condition of street dogs beginning rural areas to cities and towns is well known. The plight of street animals in our country is a subject of unwatchable and unpredictable sufferings. India has an estimated 30 million street dogs, many of whom face cruelty, hunger, and disease. The worst is many of them may be carriers of rabies – a fatal disease.

India’s growing demand for meat and dairy products has led to the emergence of factory farms, where animals are raised in inhumane conditions. Besides, wildlife trafficking plays an important role, so far the violation of prevention of cruelty to animals act is concerned. India is a hub of wildlife. No wonder trafficking of wildlife is profit making business encouraging certain class of hunters to poach endangered species clandestinely to   sell their skin, nails, tusks, teeth, snake venom within India and abroad. These aspects fall within the domain of Forest & Environment. Poor enforcement or no enforcement is a crucial issue in the context of animal welfare. Despite laws and regulations, animal welfare violations are on the rise. One often finds reports of trafficking of cattle in most deplorable condition by a particular section of the society but they go unpunished due to lack of proper enforcement and general awareness.

Therefore, animal welfare should be considered important in present day society for several reasons.

1. Ethical and moral obligations: Humans have a responsibility to treat animals with respect, kindness, and compassion.
2. Conservation and biodiversity: Protecting animal welfare helps maintain ecosystem balance and preserves species.
3. Human health and well-being:Animal welfare is linked to human health, as animal cruelty and neglect can lead to public health risks.
4. Economic benefits:Animal welfare promotes sustainable agriculture, tourism, and conservation, supporting local economies.
5. Social justice and empathy:Recognizing animal welfare encourages empathy and understanding, fostering a more compassionate society.
6. Scientific advancements:Animal welfare is crucial for scientific research, as it ensures the validity and reliability of results under animal ethics commitments.
7. Environmental impact:Animal welfare is connected to environmental conservation, as animal agriculture and exploitation can contribute to climate change.
8. Cultural and religious significance:Animals hold cultural and religious importance, and their welfare is essential for preserving heritage and traditions.
9. Personal benefits:Interacting with animals can improve mental health, relief from mental stress and emotional wellbeing, improvement in social skills. Companion animals are the best examples.
10. Global responsibility: As a global community, ensuring animal welfare demonstrates our commitment to compassion, justice and animal rights and sustainability.

By recognizing the importance of animal welfare, we can work towards creating a more harmonious and sustainable coexistence between humans and animals. In all fairness animal welfare is considered a societal emergency for several reasons:

(a) Un-precedent scale of abuse and suffering: Billions of animals are suffering in factory farms, laboratories, and other settings. Animals are subjected to extreme cruelty, neglect, and exploitation.

(b) Systemic failures: Existing laws, regulations, and enforcement mechanisms are inadequate or ineffective.

(c) Human-animal relationship and interaction: Animal welfare affects human well-being, empathy, and compassion.

(d) Environmental impact: Animal agriculture and exploitation contribute to climate change, deforestation, adverse impact on ecosystem and loss of biodiversity.

(e) Public health risks: Animal cruelty and neglect in treatment shall lead to zoonotic diseases and antibiotic resistance.

Animal welfare and public health risk are closely linked. Here are some ways in which lack of adequate animal welfare measures will affect public health:

• Zoonotic diseases: Animals can transmit diseases to humans, such as Salmonella, E. coli, anthrax, brucellosis, tuberculosis, plague, rabies, Corona virus and  bird flu etc., to name a few,
• Antibiotic resistance: Improper and overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture contributes to antibiotic resistance in humans.
• Improper use of drugs: Like diclofenac may lead to extinction of certain species of birds eg., vultures
• Mushrooming of telecom towers: Have led to decline in the population of certain avian species eg., sparrow (Passer domesticus)
• Food safety: Animal welfare issues, like overcrowding and poor sanitation at slaughter houses increase the risk of food borne illnesses.
• Mental health: Animal cruelty and neglect can have negative impacts on human mental health and well-being.
• Vector-borne diseases: Animals can host vectors like ticks and mosquitoes, which transmit diseases like Lyme disease and Zika virus.
• Environmental health: Animal agriculture contributes to environmental pollution, which affects human health.
• Pandemic and trans-border disease risk: Animal welfare issues, like wet markets and animal trafficking, increase the risk of pandemic outbreaks.
• Nutrition and health: Animal welfare affects the nutritional quality and safety of animal products, impacting human health.
• One Health approach: The connection between animal welfare and public health highlights the need for ‘’One Health and One World Approach’’ emphasises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
• By addressing animal welfare concerns, we can reduce public health risks and promote a healthier environment for all.

11. Moral obligation:Humans have an ethical responsibility to protect animals from harm and ensure their well-being and obligation for protecting animal rights.
12. Growing public awareness: To create and increased public awareness against outrage over animal safety and welfare issues demand urgent action.
13. Intersection with social justice: Animal welfare is linked to human rights, environmental justice, and food security.
14.       Urgency for collective action:The scope and severity of animal welfare issues require immediate, coordinated efforts from individuals, organizations, and governments.

By recognizing animal welfare as a societal emergency, we can mobilize resources, attention, and collective action to address these critical issues and create a more compassionate world for all living beings.

Solutions:

1. Education and awareness:Education and awareness building should begin from secondary school level the slogan being ‘’Jive daya”. Educating the public about animal welfare issues and promoting empathy towards animals can drive a change.
2.  Strengthening and enforcement of laws:Enhancing animal welfare laws and ensuring strict enforcement can help prevent cruelty.
3. Community Engagement: Collaborating with local communities to promote animal welfare and provide resources can make a significant impact.
4.   Government patronage to Animal Welfare Organizations:Organizations like the Animal Welfare Board of India and local NGOs work tirelessly to improve animal welfare. Official support to them can enhance and amplify their efforts.

 Conclusion:

Animal welfare movement is yet to catch public eye and the empathy that it deserves to protect animal rights in India. It requires immediate attention and collective action to transform it into a PUBLIC MOVEMENT. By addressing the causes that violate animal welfare and also through collaborative effort, we can create a more compassionate society for animals and humans alike. As of now animal welfare activity is underplayed at all levels though it has emerged as a pressing societal challenge and cannot be overlooked anymore. By understanding the history, activities, rules, and their violations, we can work towards a wholesome world where animals are treated with respect, kindness, and compassion so that both are able to coexist for common good. It is time to remember that animals have been friends of mankind from time immemorial. Therefore, let us be humankind.

Dr. Simant Ku. Nanda

Joint Director (Animal Welfare)

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