Dear Sir,
The article titled “The Trend Towards Animal Personhood,” published on January 28 by Dr. Shabana, is an exceptional piece. The author eloquently advocates for the voiceless beings who endure abuse, neglect, and fight for their existence. The piece addresses the brutality faced by animals and highlights the initiatives taken by the global community to alleviate their suffering. Alongside the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there exists a Universal Declaration of Animal Rights, which asserts that the legal status and rights of animals should be acknowledged by law. India has also established the ‘Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ act, focused on animal welfare. However, animal cruelty persists. We often witness overloaded vehicles used to transport animals, crammed into carriers without regard for their comfort. In some cases, they are covered during transport, particularly in illegal situations, leading to suffocation and even death. Poultry is transported on bicycles and motorbikes with their legs tied and heads facing downward, causing visible distress. Cruelty manifests in various forms, such as starvation, dehydration, lack of shelter during harsh weather, physical harm, and neglecting medical treatment when they are ill.
Animals are invaluable to us; they assist in farming, serve as means of transport, and provide us with essential products such as milk and wool, even serving as a food source. In return, they require food, water, shelter, and care, which they cannot secure for themselves. It is crucial to acknowledge their worth and intrinsic value, ensuring they receive the compassion they deserve. The government must take animal cruelty allegations seriously and enhance public awareness regarding these offenses. In instances of injustice towards a person, they have the ability to report to authorities or seek legal action. But when these voiceless beings suffer, who advocates for them? It is undoubtedly our societal responsibility. Let us be the voice for the voiceless.
D.R. Bhagat
Ekta Vihar Kunjwani
