Animal rights is the philosophy according to which some, or all animals are entitled to the possession of their own existence and that their most basic interests—such as the need to avoid suffering—should be afforded the same consideration as similar interests of human beings. That is, all species of animals have the right to be treated as individuals, with their own desires and needs, rather than as unfeeling property.
For some the basis of animal rights is in religion or animal worship (or in general nature worship), with some religions banning killing of any animal, and in other religions animals can be considered unclean.
Hindu and Buddhist societies abandoned animal sacrifice and embraced vegetarianism from the 3rd century BCE. One of the most important sanctions of the Jain, Hindu and Buddhist faiths is the concept of ahimsa, or refraining from the destruction of life. According to Buddhist belief, humans do not deserve preferential treatment over other living beings. The Dharmic interpretation of this doctrine prohibits the killing of any living being.
In Islam, animal rights were recognized early by the Sharia. This recognition is based on both the Qur’an and the Hadith. In the Qur’an, there are many references to animals, detailing that they have souls, form communities, communicate with God and worship Him in their own way. Muhammad forbade his followers to harm any animal and asked them to respect the rights of animals.
Notably, with the motive to raise awareness about improving the welfare standards of the animals across the globe ‘World Animal Day’ is celebrated annually, on October 4, the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
World Animal Day is an international day of action for animal rights and welfare. Building the celebration of World Animal Day unites the animal welfare movement, mobilising it into a global force to make the world a better place for all animals.
India, the seventh largest country in the world, is one of the most bio-diverse regions of the world containing four of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots. It is home to animals ranging from the Bengal Tigers to the Great Indian Rhinoceros and animal protection and welfare in in the country has taken a prominent position over the recent years.
Protection of animals is enshrined as a fundamental duty in the Indian Constitution and there exist several animal welfare legislations in India such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 and the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 at the Central level and cattle protection and cow slaughter prohibition legislations at the State levels. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860 is the official criminal code of India which covers all substantive aspects of criminal law. Section 428 and 429 of the IPC provides for punishment of all acts of cruelty such as killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless of animals. The aforementioned legislations have been enacted to obviate unnecessary pain and suffering of animals and similar legislations continue to be enacted according to changing circumstances. Notwithstanding specific statutes, further protections for animals lie under general concepts such as tort law, constitutional law, etc.
Small steps always can have a major impact when we all work together. Here are ways you can make a difference:
⦁ Shelter an animal in need.
⦁ Educate people around you about the issue.
⦁ Be a responsible pet owner.
⦁ Intervene if you witness animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.
⦁ Do what you can to stop someone from mistreating an animal.
⦁ Demand stricter laws for the protection of animals.
⦁ Teach your children to have respect for animals.
⦁ Report animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.
⦁ Trash isn’t just ugly, it’s harmful. Birds and other animals can trap their heads in plastic rings. Fish can get stuck in nets. Plus, trash pollutes everyone’s natural resources. Do your part by putting trash in its place.
Always remember, collective efforts, awareness and education can create a world where animals will always recognised as sentient beings and full regard will always paid to their welfare.