From beasts we scorn as soulless,
In forest, field and den,
The cry goes up to witness
The soullessness of men.
~M. Frida Hartley
When we pass a dog on the street and look in his eyes, we can feel the purity of his soul. The innocent and voiceless creature just asks for a little mercy–some food and some affection. In return he’ll shower all his heart’s love. This is the purest form of any relationship.
If these harmless and voiceless beings are subjected to torture– it’s a shame! Animal cruelty has long been a part of our world. Whether it is animal sacrifice in the name of culture or animal testing in the name of science- the ones who suffer can not even complain or resist. If any are saved from these inhuman activities, there are barbarians who like to torture their poor victims before killing them for food or for fun.
A recent such incident of barbarism occurred in the Lajpat Nagar area of New Delhi, where 5-6 miscreants brutally beat 11 community dogs to a horrifying death. Apparently, their legs were broken, cuts were inflicted and bodies were pierced with sharp objects. After which (reader discretion) some of their body parts were eaten and the rest were thrown away in an adjoining area.
Such terrifying and bone-chilling incidents have happened previously too, where savages mercilessly kill animals and take pleasure in their plight. This type of behavior is often associated with sociopathic behavior and should be taken very seriously.
Besides this, the most common and lawful form of cruelty is animal experimentation. Each year, thousands of animals die in laboratories, the victims of painful, archaic and entirely unnecessary tests.
The most common use of animals is for testing cosmetics. Caustic chemicals are forced into the eyes of rabbits and applied to animals’ shaved and raw skin. Laboratory workers place the animals in restraining devices so they can not struggle while the workers apply the poisonous chemicals, which burn into their eyes and skin. Sometimes, the scientists don’t even sedate the animals or give them pain killers! Animals some times break their backs or necks trying to escape the pain. Those that survive are used in yet additional painful tests…until they finally give up and die.
Despite the availability of alternatives (like human tissues) to animal testing, companies refuse to adopt the humane ways.
Though the ministry of environment has incorporated a few laws in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 to regulate experimentation of animals, these laws fail to ensure their proper implementation.
The voiceless victims need a voice to stand for them and ask their questions. To stop animal testing we should shift to animal-friendly products and should not hesitate in raising our voices for our little furry-friends.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent for the things that matter.”