World Animal Day is observed on 4th October worldwide to create awareness among people regarding animals :
1. To raise the status of animals and improve upon their Welfare Standards
2. Recognise animals as sentient beings and to respect their feelings.
This day is a reminder for all of us not just to love and care for the pets in our homes but to appreciate and respect all wild animals, endangered species and those threatened by environmental devastation or lack of protection.
Therefore, on this day let us show kindness and compassion to our voiceless animals and spread some awareness about their basic rights. Animals also have feelings and emotions just as human beings do. As such, it is the responsibility of every human being to love, care and protect our animals and prevent cruelty and all forms of abuse such as beating/hitting, forcing animals to struggle and work in extreme weather conditions, inhumane slaughter, etc.
Animals have as much of right to live as we human beings do and we owe them much for our work, food, milk, eggs, companionship and all the joy and love they render to us. The least we can do for them is to provide them with their basic rights.
Some of the basic rights of Animals are as follows:
1. Animals should be housed in safe and comfortable shed.
2. Sufficient floor space with the freedom of movement without overcrowding, obstruction or fear.
3. Stray or homeless animals be provided with shelter and food.
4. Any injured/sick/diseased animals be treated with our love, care and compassion.
5. Daily adequate well balanced diet and clean water to be provided.
6. It is the bounded duty of the owner to provide timely basic health facilities like vaccinations, deworming and regular health check-up of animals.
7. Mandatory Health Record Certificate for any animal that is to be transported from one place to another.
8. Animals should be treated with respect throughout their lives and provided with even more care during their old age.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Veterinary Hospital Kohima
