Aadil Akbar Baba
Domestication of animals is one of the most significant events in human history, Since the times of ancient civilizations. It has allowed humans to develop a more complex and sophisticated society, and it has helped to shape the world we live in today. A healthy animal population is of greater significance for sustainable development and better socio economic upliftment. No Civilization can even flourish with a single alteration to the food chain, despite the reasons Science and Technology have advanced to their peak, yet not to a level where naturally framed biodiversity can get duplicated. The food chain is symbiotically arranged for a common good, economically,psychologically, and physically. Domestication of animals is a complex and important process that has a profound impact on both humans and animals despite the multiple challenges. For humans, domestication has provided a reliable source of food, labor, and companionship. For animals, domestication has provided them with food, shelter, and protection from predators.
As societies advanced from primitive to modern, agriculture to industrialisation, the domestic animals remained more of a commodity than a companion, a victim of neglect and abandonment. In the harsh Winters, Chilly, and Snowy Nights of Kashmir, a large number of Ponies/Horses can be seen wandering on roads without food, & shelter. The Owners’ credentials are unknown. These ponies/horses have been used in multipurpose agro-economic tasks and affordable means of transportation in rural areas since ancient times throughout different geographical locations of Kashmir. From Raja Maharaja to the common man these ponies/horses were a source of recreation to a source of day to day livelihood. It was a sign of relief and hope from Elite. The Ponies/Horses of Kashmir are in the real sense the promoters of Tourist Destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamrg, Amarnath Yatra, and other areas in Kashmir since ancient times and are contributors to our GDP. But as a society, we have failed to recognize our responsibilities.
I am sharing here such an incident. On a chilly night of last Chakalakan that one colt was hit by the speedy truck, and the mother(mare) of that colt was surrounding him and was making Sounds around probably asking for help, probably Crying in displeasure, and discomfort like the feelings we humans keep, a young boy from that surrounding brought both colt and mare home and provided all required veterinary care to colt for quite few days till the colt recovered, the young boy after hectic efforts somehow managed to find out the actual heirs of mare and colt and later handed over them to him. There may be lakhs of such incidents happening and more than this but we all together need a human heart to save them for a better tomorrow. These abandoned creatures are both recipients of neglect as well as the source of road accidents throughout the valley, which result in loss of human life as well. The Department of Animal Husbandry needs to take all necessary measures carrying out a fresh Census of Ponies/Horses in Kashmir. In addition, it needs to update all the relevant data on the INAPH portal so that any negligence can be easily tracked down. Also, the opening of rehabilitation camps at the District Level should be a priority for ensuring the safety of abandoned creatures and biodiversity in general. The culprits may be charged under the laws prevailing. Likewise, Sometimes we see a Dog hit over by Speedy Cars, etc and his visceral organs spread all over on roads, did this indicate we have a license to kill any creature .or we have the supremacy to proclaim nothing is required to maintain the food chain except humans, how long can we move …Similarly we see a Dog having alopecia, itching and other dermatological and parasitical issues in our surroundings, instead of consulting a Veterinarian we spit on Roads and try to punish the affected animal. The Department of Animal Husbandry needs to spread mass awareness regarding this. It should educate all Panchayats to take remedial measures to overcome this menace. It should provide logistic support and mass vaccinations for all stray dogs in the area. Since Man has moved from the Stone age to the agriculture age, he has been accompanied by a Dog. Tell a shepherd what a dog means to him, tell a pet lover. They consider pets a family member.
Since the landscape of Kashmir is well suited to enrich the livestock industry, every day we see pet animals like cows, goats, and sheep a victim of animal cruelty, a serious problem altogether for a cow by any means reduces milk drop She is verbally abused and in most of the cases physically assaulted, likewise for a goat and sheep, if a cow, goat, or sheep fails to conceive instead of consulting for veterinary Health Care, in most of the cases Such animals are culled against a very low amount thus creating further economic constraints. Depriving animals of food, water, and shelter constitutes denial of basic fundamental rights. The quality and quantity of which matters. Most of the reported clinical cases in veterinary practices result from mismanagement and unhygienic conditions. Animals are not the only victims of malnutrition. Our Farmers are yet unaware of the required Ration & maintenance Ration ratio, thus emptying the Ruminal Volume.
There are so many indigenous and migratory birds living in our waterways, wetlands, and forests. Despite so many efforts of wildlife and the relevant departments, they are mercilessly killed, without consideration. Due to human interference and deforestation every day there is news that wild animals have moved from rural to urban areas. There is a loss of life or the wild animal is treated very badly. This results in sometimes serious injuries and even death to these wildlife creatures. Recently, the Department of Forest J&K has taken a revolutionary step towards promoting Eco-Tourism and other sustainable measures to plant lakhs of trees. As a civil society, we must cooperate otherwise time will run out. Animal cruelty is often seen as a precursor to other forms of violence, such as domestic violence and child abuse. Studies have shown that people who cruelty animals are more likely to be violent towards other people. This is because animal cruelty can be seen as a way of asserting power and control over another living being. As a result, animal cruelty can lead to increased crime rates in a community, animals who are abused are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and aggression. Humans who witness and are aware of animal cruelty are also more likely to experience these same psychological problems. It is a problem that exists in all societies, regardless of their level of development. We need to recognize animal welfare. Animal welfare is the state of an animal‘s health and happiness. It is important to protect animals from cruelty and neglect and to ensure that they have access to food, water, shelter, and medical care
Animal rights in our country are protected by many laws, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960), the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), and the Indian Veterinary Council Act (1966). The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act is the most comprehensive law governing animal welfare in India. It prohibits the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals, and it establishes the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to oversee the implementation of the law. The Wildlife Protection Act protects wild animals and their habitats. The Indian Veterinary Council Act regulates the practice of veterinary medicine in India Our Constitution also contains provisions that promote animal welfare. Article 48A states that the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. Article 51A(g) states it to be a duty of every citizen of India “to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.”
If we look for a better tomorrow, we have to develop a best today, while being accountable, responsible, inclusive, dynamic, disciplined, and sensitive enough to notice any change and to be exemplary members for future generations to come by conceptualizing a wave of welfare, which will yield fruits of peace, progress, and prosperity in letter and spirit
