Be the Voice of the Voiceless

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All life forms on this planet matter because each one has survived the journey of thousands of years of evolution and is here for a reason.

For humans to think that they are superior and to believe that this planet is ours to decide who would stay and who would not, is not only foolish but catastrophic. We should have learnt at least that much from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Let’s consider certain examples. Almost every day, animal lovers and animal feeders face the trauma and stress of poor voiceless beings put to immense pain and torture. Some animal caretakers face violent opposition from the neighbourhood and fellow citizens who have only learnt to talk about themselves and seem to be against the very existence of homeless cats, dogs and other animals. Then there are circuses, zoos, joyrides (camels, horses, elephants, etc.), illegal breeders, chemical testings on various animals – treating them like mere objects bereft of pain, emotions or feelings.

Group portrait of adorable puppies

Whether it is in the name of commercial benefits, fun or religion, animal cruelty needs to stop.

Humans have legal rights and can raise their voices if their rights are violated. Animals have rights too but they cannot raise their voices for themselves so they succumb to pain, trauma, stress and abuse until someone steps forward and be their voice.

The most important of all emotions in this world is empathy and if you, as a human, feel it, well, you are unfit to call yourself the most superior of all species.

While laws may not evoke compassion that a person feels for these innocent creatures, they can be a deterrent for offenders any time they come close to harming animals. Following is a list of laws that you can use to protect them.

  • Section 11 (i) of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 says that abandoning an animal, leaving it in a situation that it suffers pain due to starvation or thirst, is a punishable offence. In this case, the fine can go up to ₹50. If the same crime is committed within three years again, the person has to pay a fine of anything between ₹25 and ₹100 or imprisonment of up to 3 months or both. Neither the fine nor imprisonment is strict enough to prevent people from harming animals.
  • Killing, poisoning, maiming or torturing an animal is a cognizable offence under Section 428 and Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code. The punishment for such an act is rigorous imprisonment which may extend for up to 2 years or a fine or both. In this case, as well, the fine is just ₹10 or above, an amount so minuscule that places no value on an animal’s life.
  • As per the Animal Birth Control Rules 2001, no sterilised dogs can be relocated from their area. If the dog is not sterilised, the society can ask an animal welfare organization to sterilise and vaccinate it but they cannot relocate it.
  • According to Section 38 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, dogs can be sterilized only when they’ve attained the age of at least 4 months and not before that.
  • Keeping, or confining any animal chained for long hours with a heavy chain or chord amounts to cruelty on the animal and punishable by a fine or imprisonment of up to 3 months or both.
  • If an owner fails to provide its pet with sufficient food, drink or shelter, he/she shall be liable for punishment according to section 11 (1) (h) of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960. Again, the fine extends to mere ₹50 with a subsequent crime committed within three years of the first one to be fined with ₹25- ₹100.
  • It is illegal to slaughter animals at places like temples and streets that are not licensed to do so. The act of animal sacrifices is covered under the Local Municipal Corporation Acts, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Indian Penal Code (IPC).
  • Teasing, molesting, injuring, feeding poison or causing disturbance to any animal by noise or otherwise is prohibited according to section 38(j) of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Anyone found guilty of this offence may face an imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to Rs 25,000 or both.
  • Section 16 (c) of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 also makes it unlawful to injure, destroy wild birds or reptiles, damaging their eggs or disturbing their eggs or nests. The person found guilty can be punished with an imprisonment of 3 to 7 years and a fine of Rs 25,000.
  • According to section 98 of the Transport of Animals Rules 1978, animals should be healthy and in a good condition while transporting them. Any animal that is diseased, fatigued or unfit for transport should not be transported. Furthermore, pregnant and very young animals should be transported separately. .

The Delhi High Court states that there are no laws that prohibit people from feeding stray animals. Feeding strays is both lawful and helpful since it makes it easy to confine them to one particular area that they belong to.

The Animal Welfare Board of India issues IDs for people who feed stray animals. These IDs help people who want to protect the strays from abusive animal-haters. The board also organizes Animal Welfare Fortnight which does not gain the kind of attention that it should.

The laws are too lenient and a live example is the recent case of Lucknow’s brutal woman, Pooja Dhillon who crushed two small puppies under her feet. She not only killed them demonically but also made a video of the heinous crime. The video got leaked and an FIR was registered against her but she was bailed out immediately. This viral video definitely caused her some social bashing but is that enough for the magnitude of crime that was committed by this sociopath?

No! We need to collectively raise our voices for better and more stringent laws for animal protection. Sign petitions, write emails to concerned authorities and continue doing so until a positive outcome is reached.

Rakhi Kishore

rakhikishore@gmail.com

Author bio:

Rakhi Kishore is a Radio Jockey (AIR Fm Rainbow), a Television host (Doordarshan), Communication Specialist & Personality Development Trainer, An actor in theatre and Bollywood and has always been a proactive animal caretaker. A President, of Jeev Basera, Lucknow

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