What animal abuse looks like?
In a world full of exploitation, and unethical practices - a world where animals needlessly suffer, there needs to be a balance. A delicate tightrope needs to be maintained where animals do not die without cause and our ecosystems strive. To ensure this, we, as a society need to address the underlying cause- animal abuse.
So what is considered as animal abuse?
Exploitation through hunting- The killing of animals for commercial use or public displays instead of for sustenance. This can look like hunting animals for commercially used fur or leather.
Zoos - Animals suffer in captivity because zoos cannot completely replicate an animal’s natural habitat. Additionally, animals are often drugged or sedated in order to be calmer for public view. Furthermore, show animals or circus animals have to go through unimaginable forms of torture to be trained
Sometimes animal abuse is not immediately evident. However, there are some indicators one can look out for to determine if an animal is being abused:
Noticeable neglect - This can look like severe matting, open wounds, animals that are tick infested, animals that are either severely underweight or extremely overweight to the point of being unable to walk. Animals that are neglected like this are in physical distress and are in need of immediate veterinary care.
Lack of shelter - The animal is caged or leashed completely exposed to the elements (rain, constant sunlight, cold weather, etc)
Lack of hygiene - Faeces or debris around the animal’s living area.
Dog fighting rings - Being trained to fight, and physical harm such as scars, wounds, infections, and missing body parts such as ears, or tails are indicative of whether a dog is a part of a dog fighting ring (with PitBull terriers being the most common breed) or not.
Abnormal behaviour - Domesticated animals do not hurt humans without a just cause. If an animal is aggressive, fearful, or cowering, without any visible danger in sight, it is possible that the animal is a victim of abuse.
Abandonment - Look out for animals that seem to be left alone in vacant buildings/houses.
Animal testing
Animal testing, a practice that has long been contentious, involves conducting experiments on captive animals in laboratory settings. Despite the belief in its scientific applicability, it raises ethical concerns due to its inherent cruelty and the lasting trauma it inflicts on innocent beings. This post explores the inhumane aspects of animal testing, delves into the psychological and biological consequences faced by these animals, and advocates for a shift towards ethical practices in scientific research.
Historically, animals have been used in psychological and biological experiments without adequate ethical considerations. In the field of psychology, animals were subjected to experiments without questioning the morality of such actions. Similarly, in the realm of biology, animals were dissected without regard for their inherent value. These practices highlight the ethical blind spots that have existed in the scientific community, showcasing the potential ethical ramifications of groundbreaking discoveries.Animals, much like humans, experience trauma, and the psychological impact of abuse and experimentation on them cannot be overlooked. Trauma in animals manifests similarly to that in humans, often leading to symptoms akin to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Raising awareness about animal trauma is crucial in fostering empathy and compassion towards these sentient beings. Animals subjected to cruelty store trauma and find it challenging to trust again, underscoring the need for humane treatment and understanding. While pets offer emotional support to humans, it is equally essential for humans to reciprocate, ensuring the well-being of animals in our care.
Animals, too, can endure psychological scars from traumatic experiences, emphasising the need for empathy, compassion, and ethical treatment in all interactions with the animal kingdom.
Specific cases about animal abuse in India
Every year, thousands of animals are being subjected to animal cruelty yet they are rarely reported. A few cases are listed below. You may choose to skip to the conclusion if the following content is not suitable for you.
(TRIGGER WARNING for the content listed: rape, bestiality, descriptions of blood, death, gore, etc.)
Case studies:
In September 2020, a video of a man picking up one of two dogs roaming nearby and throwing it into the lake while giggling and looking at the person filming the video.
A pregnant Indian bison, popularly known as gaur, was slaughtered for its meat in a cruel crime. Roughly 25kg of meat was seized from their homes during a police raid. Further examination of the animal’s bones and carcasses, conducted by police officials, indicated that the animal was pregnant at the time of its death.
On July 4, 2020 55-year-old man went to a dairy in Sundar Nagar in Bhopal and allegedly participated in unnatural sex with a cow, according to Bhopal police.
A man was captured on CCTV camera raping calves at a shelter in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya district in May 2019.
Facts and figures from around the world
More than 400,000 animals died in fires on factory farms in the United States last year.
Approximately 80,000 horses are trucked from the United States to Mexico or Canada to be slaughtered for human consumption each year.
An average of 24 horses die each week on racetracks in the United States.
Farming and ranching are responsible for 68 percent of all species endangerment in the United States.
More than 330 million rabbits are farmed in tiny, barren cages across Europe each year.
More than one billion rabbits are killed for their fur each year.
Eighteen red foxes are killed to make one fox fur coat. Fifty-five minks are killed to make one mink fur coat.
There are approximately 6,000 fur farms in the European Union.
Approximately three million farm animals die while being transported in Canada every year.
There are more than 17,000 dog-meat farms in South Korea.
Conclusion
In the tapestry of India, where traditions and spirituality converge, there exists a truth demanding our compassion: the silent suffering of animals. As we conclude this conversation on animal abuse, let our hearts be stirred not by despair but by the promise of empathy.
Every creature, big or small, weaves a thread in life’s fabric, teaching us loyalty and unconditional love. Together, let’s pledge to be their voice. Let’s nurture a society where every wag and chirp is met with kindness. Our legacy must echo our actions, creating a sanctuary of love, where every creature is cherished.
This conclusion marks a new beginning. Let's create a world where animals are not just protected but truly cherished. In this tapestry of compassion, our actions can be the most beautiful threads, stitching a world where every being, no matter how small, is treated with love and respect.
What you can do to help abused animals:
Take injured animals to a veterinary clinic.
Stray or abandoned animals can be taken to pet shelters.
You can donate to non-profit organisations that work for the welfare of animals or volunteer in organisations yourself. https://petofy.com/bangalore/pet-ngos - link to different animal shelters.
Contact organisations such as PETA India if you see an animal benign abused, or if an animal needs urgent medical care. Emergency number: 99201 22602 Non-emergency number- 91679 07382
One can also report cases of animal cruelty to the police in that neighbourhood.
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