Humans Losing Humanity: Animal Cruelty On Rise

Humans Losing Humanity: Animal Cruelty On Rise

Like human beings, animals too have a right to life. A life of dignity, free from suffering and exploitation. But unfortunately, cruelty to animals is on the rise in our society. Reports of countless animals being subjected to inhumanity, torture and brutality have become a daily affair.

Recently, a video showing a woman beating her dog mercilessly in the city went viral on social media. The woman, a resident of Versa at Damana, was seen hitting her dog Honey brutally on her terrace. A neighbour recorded the entire incident and sent it to Speak For Animals (SFA) on February 1, basing on which a complaint was lodged with police the next day. Fearing action, the culprits fled their home, leaving Honey behind. With help of Chandrasekharpur Police, Honey was finally rescued and taken to the veterinary clinic for treatment.

Founder of SFA Kusal Biswas said, “Animals are living beings like humans. They feel every emotion as we do. In recent times, we are witnessing many cases where these innocent beings are being brutally tortured. Though there is no particular reason behind the violence against the animals, most people do it out of frustration. Such people take pleasure in taking out their frustration on those who can’t retaliate or complain.”

The society as a whole needs to be empathetic towards animals and treat them as they would treat any other human being. “People should always try to help animals by feeding them or contributing to their well-being. And if you can’t help, then stay neutral; don’t hurt them even if there is a reason. If you witness any kind of brutality against animals, record a video of the act and raise your voice,” Kusal added.

Founder of Animal Welfare Trust Ekamra (AWTE) Purabi Patra strongly believes that a person who is cruel towards animals can never be compassionate towards humans. “Violence against animals is same as crimes against human beings. Hence, any kind of cruelty/abuse towards animals should be reported immediately. Instead of ignoring, people should raise their voice whenever they witness any cruelty meted out to an animal. The authorities concerned should also take strong action against the culprits,” she said.

Purabi actively participated in the ‘Justice For April’ campaign which sought justice for the pregnant dog April that was beaten to death by two women in Samantarapur area on April 28 last year. Despite all efforts, April succumbed to its injuries and her two premature puppies too died. The incident triggered a public outrage both online and offline. The campaign was also joined by actress Anubha Sourya, her mother veteran actress Puspa Panda and other Ollywood celebrities. 

Purabi said police often doesn’t pay much attention to such complaints, thereby emboldening people who abuse animals. The animal activist said she has pinned her hopes on the Amendment of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 which will be heard in the court soon. The amendment would ensure stricter laws and regulations against offenders.

Ardent animal lover Sourav Rout said, “I believe that animals fill the void that every human being has in his/her life. Only when you forge a deep bond with a living being, whether it’s a human being or an animal, you’ll understand the deeper meaning of love. Love and empathy is universal and should be shown to all living beings.”

Senior administrator at Centurion University Swapna Harrison runs a shelter home for cats named Pretty Paws Circle of Love. She said, “It is heart-breaking to see how people treat strays – cows, bulls, cats and dogs – or animals that are raised for slaughter. People need to be sensitised on animal rights. Each street or locality can have a small fund to care for the street animals. The same way, as youths collect money for different pujas, they could create a fund for animals and form an animal club. Besides, the veterinary wing of OUAT is affordable when it comes to treating animals. People can take injured or sick animals including strays to OUAT for treatment. A little humanity and kindness can go a long way in helping the voiceless beings.”

Swapna suggested to arrange water for strays during summers and spare some rugs for them in winters besides feeding them. The children should be taught against teasing or hurting animals. To achieve this, awareness is required as most people are good at heart. But they turn a blind eye to the suffering of animals, she said.

However, many people are now coming forward to feed and care for animals. There is some opposition when people harass animals. But such Good Samaritans are still few in number. If every locality would have an animal welfare club attached to the municipality and run by youths, there could be a drastic change in the scenario. The youths can act as a bridge between the public and government in improving the situation for animals, Swapna added.

Speaking about population explosion among animals, Swapna said, “The government needs to be more pro-animals. Constant and continuous sterilisation of male dogs and cats is necessary. Sterilising males takes less time and the animals heal faster too, in just 3-4 days. In case of females, they need a minimum 15 days to heal. Besides, hotel owners should be sensitised to spare their left-over food for feeding the stray animals. There are a lot of resources that can be used for the welfare of animals, if channelised properly. With a little effort, we can make lives of animals better.”

Animals cannot speak for themselves and this is the main reason, why we need to protect them. My City Links urges everyone to ensure that animals lead a life free from oppression, confinement, and abuse.