Have you ever looked into the eyes of an animal, any animal, and tried to read what they say? Pet parents can pick up cues about the mood, hunger, or dislike of their fur babies from their behaviour and body language. However, the rest of us might not be that receptive. That doesn’t mean that we cannot care for them in our own small ways if we want to. While many of us like them from a distance, there are few who deliberately cause them hurt and discomfort. Just because they can’t fight for it, do animal rights not matter?

Animals are routinely on the receiving end of human apathy. They are tortured, often suffer from malnutrition, and are overworked, and under-rested. On one side pets of the highest breed have special salons to unwind while street dogs eat out of trash cans on the other. How many of us know that they’re legally protected from such bullying? Even if we mean well there is little knowledge about animal rights around us. In this post, I’m sharing some important provisions in our law that safeguard animals. It is sad to imagine what they must be getting subjected to earlier though.

All of us have at least one memory of being chased by or barked at by a stray. They often hang out in packs and are a huge menace to passers-by. Feeding them can be risky too as they may turn violent on days you don’t have anything to give them. They aren’t sadly given due credit for the safety they provide you. However, trying to kill or maim any animal, including strays, is a punishable offense under IPC Sections 428 and 429. You can contact relevant authorities and get them sent away to a shelter instead.

During the pandemic, there were many heart-breaking stories about animals being abandoned by their owners. After enjoying personal care for a long time they were literally left out to fend for themselves. Stranded alone, it was distressing to see them go through irreversible emotional turmoil. Thankfully, under Sections 11(1)(i) and 11(1)(j) under PCA Act, 1960 abandoning any animal can put a person in prison for up to 3 months. So, in case you know or hear of any such case, be sure to report it and play your part in upholding animal rights.

Tigers jumping through hoops on fire, elephants climbing on tiny stools or monkeys dancing with clowns were some popular circus attractions till a few years ago. However, although they were fun for the audience, they subjected these animals to dangerous, sometimes life-threatening situations. Hence, Section 22(ii), PCA Act, 1960 is important. It prohibits training and using animals like monkeys, bears, tigers, lions, etc for entertainment purposes in circuses or on the streets. We can derive pleasure from other circus stunts like acrobatics, juggling, trapeze, bicycle balancing, etc too.

Remember Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde highlighted the issue of animal testing in the cosmetic industry back in 2003? Animals like dogs, rabbits, mice, etc are often used as guinea pigs for untested cosmetic products. These may contain harmful chemicals like parabens, alcohol, SLS/SLES, phthalates, etc which may cause permanent skin damage and burning. Rules 148-C and 135-B of Drugs & Cosmetic Rules, 1945, ban testing of cosmetics on animals as well as the import of such products. Avoid using or recommending such products and support animal rights.

Zoos are a huge draw for kids and adults alike. They manage to bridge the gap between wildlife and humans by letting us observe each other at close quarters. This luxury is often misused though since people consider it fun to tease, disturb and bully animals through their cages. It hence necessitates Section 38J, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which makes these acts as well as littering on zoo premises a punishable offense. This may lead to a fine of Rs, 25000 or imprisonment of up to three years or both. Teach your kids by example by showing kindness towards our fellow earth inhabitants.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” ~ Anatole France. Animals don’t kill for sport or pollute our surroundings like us humans. They’re compassionate and display love and loyalty for anyone who cares for them. While animal rights are necessary to safeguard them and must be respected, shouldn’t we, as humans behave responsibly to not need them? Nature helped us evolve but are we truly the better species? Leaving you with this thought to ponder upon.

This post is part of #CauseAChatter with Blogchatter

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