I agree material is the most vital source of living. But is that above humanity? Can one be so ostentatious that they become indifferent towards other organisms from whom they derive material?
I want to share one incident that changed my feelings for animals. I didn’t actually empathise with animals before this incident. I was in Thailand for a vacation. We went to the Tiger park where we could get pictures clicked with baby and adult tigers. I had direct eye contact with a baby tiger trapped inside the bars for about 30–40 seconds.
I was just a few centimetres away from it. For a moment, I did not realise it was a Tiger I was sharing my feelings with. Its eyes were watery, it was starving for freedom and its natural nature was distorted. It wanted to evade badly.
The other moment I heard people discussing money they would give to get pictures clicked with the tiger. There were two contrasting behaviours: humans on one side being excited and earning a profit, and the tigers on the other side, belligerent, helpless and anguished.
This behaviour to me is not justified. It’s completely inept, immoral and restrained. We have usurped their lives. Even animals intend to live a tranquil life. The mental health of animals is as important as humans. We must stop our contemptible and profiteer attitude towards animals.
- Say no to leather products.
- Zoos must be turned into natural sanctuaries to save animals.
- Animal skins must not be used to satisfy our luxurious lives.
- Animal husbandries must be supervised regularly.
- There must be serious repercussions for hunters.