The Animal Welfare fortnight weeks are celebrated every year from 14th January to 30th January to create awareness among the general public to treat all animal life with kindness, love and compassion.
Animals have contributed immensely for the Welfare of human beings from the dawn of civilisation. It is the obligation of every human being not to abuse and exploit animals. We all must learn to co-exist with animals and it's our moral duty to see that animals are treated humanely and with compassion.
Animals are mute spectators and are incapable of raising their voice against cruelties. Cruelty to animals is knowingly inflecting pain/ injury upon animals by human beings.
The constitution of India states - " It shall be the fundamental duty of every citizen to Protect and improve the natural environment including forest, lakes, Rivers, and wildlife and to have compassion for all living creatures".
Some rules put forward by the constitution of India in favour of the voiceless animals are:-
1. It is a criminal offense to feed poisonous food to stray animals- section 11 of the prevention of cruelty to the Animals Act of 1960.
2. It is illegal to maim or cause any injury to any animal- Section 428 and 429 of the Indian penal code and cruelty to Animal act of 1960.
Some basic rights of animals which have been globally recognised as the gold standard in animal welfare, encompassing both mental and physical well being of animal are:-
1. Right to free from starvation:- availability of fresh water and food in order to maintain health and its vigour.
2. Right to have comfort:- to live in a favourable environment and comfortable resting place
3. Right from not getting any pain, injury or disease:- to get proper treatment and health coverage and vaccination /medication at the right time.
4. Right to express normal behaviour:- to get proper facilities and companion of its own kind.
5. Right from not getting any fear and distress:- proper secured housing facilities with sufficient space.
Embracing these five rights will support our care and welfare of the animal, since animals do have rights as we human beings on earth.
Veterinary Hospital Kohima