Animal Welfare and Rights (Part II)

Human animal association has a long history on this planet. In majority of the situations man has been the beneficiary in this association. To avoid cruelty of to animals and to make sure there well being there are two school of thoughts (Animal rights & Animal welfare activists).

Animal Right advocates to reject all animal use, the concept that animals must not be used for any purpose by Humans however humane they may be used. PeTA ( People for the ethical treatment of animals) defined this concept as “Animals accord a same status as Humans do; child of an ant is just as important as a Human baby”. When Human and Animal rights come in conflict, Animal rights are preferred over Human rights. 

On the other hand, Animal Welfare philosophy endorses the responsible use of animals to satisify certain Human needs. These range from companionship to sport, uses claiming their lives such as food, clothing and researches on them for human benefits. It enlightens the need of giving Animals all the due rights including housing, management, nutrition, disease management and prevention.

This article highlights the Animal Welfare leagues and some radical laws and Acts operating worldwide. 

The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals. Looking back into the history and considering the current situation of animal welfare and rights, there’s been a phenomenal change in mind-set of people regarding the observation of Animal rights on both National and International horizons. Still a lot has to be added to make sure not only the safe existence but the many fold safe thriving of many endangered species that are vital for the natural balance of ecosystem.

Every day, the Animal Welfare League saves animals lives and works to improve the way they are treated and regarded by society. In the Chicago land area, they help all animals through their adoption programs, low cost clinic services, local cruelty investigations, and public education programs. Locally they work to improve municipal, city and state laws and regulations regarding the treatment of animals and operate the state’s largest non-profit animal shelter program. Currently, there are many practically implemented laws made in view of Animal welfare. Some of these are described below:

This act includes numerous vital clauses for the protection and kind use of Animals. Punishments in case of violation of any of the clause have also been included as a part of the act.

Every animal must be registered and if domesticated, should be utilized under license issued. This part of act is essentially important, as it accounts for the total number, kinds and their fair usage across a country.

Any animal suffering from distress of any sort is entirely a responsibility of the owner. In such case, the owner may be devoid of animal’s owner ship, a part of his property and may be fined heavily or jailed for 2 to 6 months. 

The number of organizations operating in the country aim to create a more just and equitable relationship between humans and animals in Pakistan. They recognize that humans have a responsibility towards their environment and fellow species and aim to preserve and protect animal populations; their integrity, diversity, welfare and wellbeing. We also believe that the natural environment is a shared heritage for humankind and seek to create, promote and preserve ecologically sustainable relationships globally.

Animals Act 1890 makes cruelty to animals punishable for a first offense punishable with one month imprisonment, or 50 rupee fine, or with three months imprisonment, or 100 rupee fine for a subsequent offense which is committed within three years of the first one.

In 2001, bear baiting is also said to have been specifically prohibited possibly under an order of President Musharraf. These laws although defective and old, as both were enacted by the British during the colonial times, hardly have any deterrent value as the punishments are meager, and probably not a single person has ever been imprisoned under these laws in the entire Pakistan. 

Comprehensively talking about this topic, there’s absolutely no two opinions about the need and implementation of laws made in accordance with the concept of animal rights. Currently, there are scores of laws made for the same purpose but more essential is their implementation upto the grass root level.