India Needs Widespread Acceptance Of Animal Protection As A Serious Social Issue

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.—–M.K.Gandhi

Since early civilization, animals have been an integral part of human experience. We have domesticated them for both agriculture and companionship. However, over time our kinship with them has morphed into abuse in which the welfare of animals is highly compromised. Now we see animals purely for their utility; in fact, a perception has been created that humans always have precedence over animals. It has now become common practice to inflict cruelty upon them.

Animal welfare has always been seen as a niche subject, often relegated to being an emotional one. It has also been perceived as a street dog issue or service for pet or privately-‘owned’ animals, mainly dogs and cats. Of course, protection of cows has often grabbed headlines as well, but never for their welfare, and the issue is often politically motivated.

In comparison to other animal welfare issues (those that extend beyond what we have highlighted above), people’s awareness tends to be limited to issues pertaining to wildlife exploitation; in particular, tiger conservation and human-wildlife conflict (for example, with leopards and snakes). But animals are abused across the country and world, whether in laboratories, farms, or pet shops; and the abuse is often justified for human good.

Animal welfare Board Of India

• Animal welfare board of India is set up in India in 1962 in accordance with sec.of PCA act 1960
• It is functioning under the ministry of environment and forest
• Its head quarter is at Chennai
• The board consists of 28 members appointed by Govt.Of.India
• AWBI receives funds as per the budget provisions may in each 5 year plan.
• AWBI gives recognition to all the animal welfare organization of our country.

Schemes implemented by AWBI(Animal Welfare Board Of India)

  1.Provision of Ambulance service to animals in distress

• To Ensure immediate attention to sick,injured and distressed animals.
• Support to poor people who have large animals that faced accidents/affected with disease
• To act as mobile clinic to hold camps.
• To implement anti rabies program by collecting dogs and releasing them after sterilization and immunization.
• To transport animals to Vet. Hospitals when owners are unable.
• NGO’s assisted up to 90% of project cost.   

    2.Animal Birth control and immunization

• control stray dog population by sterilization
• immunization with anti rabic vaccination
• Operated through NGO’s and SPCA’s

    3. Protection during calamity and unforeseen circumstances

• made provision of fodder,shelter,medical attention during flood,cyclone,drought and earthquake.

    4. Shelter house for animals

• Animal welfare organizations are assisted to the extent of 90% of project cost for construction of shelter house      

• Actions towards Animal Welfare
• UGC mulls a ban on dissection of animals in zoology labs for experiments.
• Punjab Govt. initiates animals adoption schemes for zoo animals .
• Celebration of Birthday of white tiger cubs in Nandakanan Zoo
• Use of rubber mats for dairy animals which prevents knee ,hock injuries, more milk yield, prevent mastitis and laminitis.
• Successful implementation of ABC and Immunisation program in Bhubaneshwar.

Innovative Ideas for Animal Welfare

• Introduction of Animal Welfare as a subject for children to teach basic things in curriculum.
• Starting Goshalas in jails.
• Dogs undergoing Docking shall be disqualified in participating Dog shows.
• Government to lay down pet rules.
• Awards to reknown Animal Welfare activist and snake rescuers.