Animal Welfare
When we talk about animal welfare the first question which comes in mind is why we need animal welfare. A friend gave an interesting reply that it is necessary because the animals provide us milk and meal as food and skin for shoes.
Another said that the animals provide us amusement and we should save them. Yet another friend argued that in our country, which is having the largest cattlestock in the world, the animals are very useful in agriculture and transport. They provide us with jobs, food and income. Another friend feels that animal welfare is necessary as human beings, we should have compassion and sympathy towards all the creatures.
As the animals are useful to us we have a duty to care for them. It is a pity that often the animals are not provided with enough food, shelter, medical care and hygienic conditions. They are very often exploited and overloaded for economic gains.
Many men do not pause for a moment while killing the animals for sports and amusement. There may be various viewpoints, but it is certain that animal welfare is necessary for ecological balance and in maintaining the natural food chain. The animals are integral-part to our living world and environment.
Like human beings, the earth is their habitat and, like us, they have a right to live. It is our duty to protect animals and their welfare should be our concern. Animal welfare is not just the responsibility of the governments and organisations, but it needs participation of everyone. Traditionally the rules for animal welfare had been a part of our religions. Every religion in India preaches non-violence and protection of animals. But during the recent times, it is sad to see that we are loosing respect for the rights of animals to live.
The man had been ruthless and cruel towards the animals. Hunting has been a popular in loss of life of sport, which results innocent animals. There are laws and regulations which control hunting and cruelty towards animals. These are not sufficient. There is a need for a public movement and change in our attitude towards the animals. We need to have a heart full of love for the animals if we really want animal welfare.
Gandhiji, all his life, carried forward the message of non-violence and love for animals. This has been our heritage and soul of all the religions—Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Whenever we see an animal, let us remember the message of lord Mahavira:
“Live and Let live.”
Living together can be a sure way towards, the animal welfare.
