Dear Editor, Recently on social media, many cases have been reported of animal abuse. Few days back, a pit bull was shot by his owner and then his pictures were shared on social media. Now, an illegal breeder killed a female dog brutally. What type of mentality is this? The problem is that there aren’t enough people fighting for animal rights. If everyone started to look at animals as living beings who share our planet, we would see far fewer cases of cruelty toward animals but what we do, we just ignore these cases. It is high time that we should raise voice against cruelty towards animals and for this the first thing we need to do is to spread awareness. What is animal cruelty? And how can we stop contributing to it? Witnessing cruelty to animals is an upsetting experience, but knowing how to handle the situation properly can save life of these innocent creatures. Let’s just pledge to help and not assume that someone else will help. An abused animal need immediately veterinary care, without which, it may suffer for a long time or die from his or her injuries. Speak up, because if you don’t, who will? If you see a chained dog, befriend his or her guardians and help them make positive changes to care for their animal companion and to allow it to live indoors. If children are throwing stones at birds, don’t hesitate to tell them to stop and explain why it’s wrong to hurt animals. Moreover, the second you see that something is wrong, take a photo or video with your cell phone to document the details if you can, and be sure to capture important information such as license plate numbers and a visual of the abuser. We need to raise voice against such behaviour. File a first information report (FIR) with the police immediately. Report the crime to the police. A FIR sets the process of criminal justice into motion – police will investigate a case only after a FIR has been filed. Demand stricter laws for the protection of animals. Stronger animal welfare laws and harsher penalties will lead to fewer cruelty cases. Teach your children to have respect for animals. Set a good example by being respectful towards animals. Show children how to treat animals with love and consideration. Help them to grow up to become the next generation of advocates for animals. Educate people around you about the issue. Help people to understand that they can intervene in situations where animals are being neglected or even tormented. Animals too have a right to live without fear or pain, and we have a responsibility to step in if their rights aren’t respected and they are treated badly. It’s high time that we all should come forward to let these voiceless animals live a pain free life. Let’s prove that we are humans and humanity still exists. Through your esteemed daily, I request all to come forward for save animals and show some courage to stop cruelty against animals. I request UT administration to implement some strict rules to stop this and teach such psycho people a lesson. Devinder Kaur Madaan, Sr Vice President, SPCA Jammu.
