D N Singh
We can always rejoice the fact that India has accomplished huge strides in several fields such as in technology, civil society awareness, business, sports and made itself zoomed to the global sphere, economically, industrially and educationally.
Nevertheless, as we address socio-economic challenges to promote sustainable growth, there comes the important factor, animal rights, that remain a cruel blind spot, perennially on the back-burner of public consciousness.
Right from the beasts of burden to the luxurious confinement in posh houses where suffocation and an extreme detachment from their natural environment make them all the more asphyxiated nearing to where life becomes a burden for them.
They suffer silently and die silently.
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Several state and local governments struggle to address the stray dog 'menace’, housing bodies regularly obstruct animal lovers and pet parents in violation of laws, and state-run or privately-managed animal shelters are often reported to be in abysmal condition.
Human consciousness dipping
Even state-run or privately-managed animal shelters are often reported to be in abysmal condition. Forget about the plight in pet shops or in the drawing rooms of the rich.
For over a decade now, animal protection organisations have sought higher penalties to deter violations.
The present Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act enacted in 1960, gets archaic with new faces of cruelty and the punishment for cruelty as a first offence can range between an amount as low as 10 to 50 Rupees. That is a joke.
But, the animal activism necessitates winning hearts and minds in the absence of meaningful penal consequences, acts of cruelty would continue unabated
In November last year a draft amendment bill for public consultation. The draft bill does three key things.
“First, it significantly raises fine amounts and imprisonment periods (including multi year periods for several offences, on par with other jurisdictions such as the UK, Australia, and Singapore)” says a report supporting the Amendment draft. .
“Second, it introduces the concept of gruesome cruelty with heightened punishment and the concept of 'five freedoms’ – the biological needs of every animal that each person with an animal in their care must provide for. Third, it provides for the constitution of state animal welfare boards in addition to the national board to coordinate welfare efforts at the state level”.
The Bill has received widespread public support, particularly through the #NoMore50 campaign which urges the government to pass the bill in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.
Lastly, policymaking should be supported by a broad ethical framework for animal rights that transcends societal mores and petty politics. It should also be inclusive in that it considers the impacts of change on the livelihoods and health of disadvantaged communities, takes a balanced approach to man-animal conflict and implements a phased transition from animal cruelty businesses.
The law should enjoin humans to act as custodians and safeguard these rights; only then can we move the needle from the 'prevention of cruelty' to becoming a society where animals can thrive. Live and let live.
About the Author: DN Singh is a Bhubaneswar-based senior journalist.
DISCLAIMER: This is the personal opinion of the author. The views expressed in this write-up have nothing to do with www.prameyanews.com.
