Animal Welfare and Rights (PART-II)
Animal Welfare and Rights (PART-II)
Animal Welfare and Rights (PART-II)
(PART-II)
By
TEAN ZAHEER
Animal Right advocates to reject all animal use, the concept that animals must not be used for any
purpose by Humans however humane they may be used. PeTA ( People for the ethical treatment of
animals) defined this concept as “Animals accord a same status as Humans do; child of an ant is just as
important as a Human baby”. When Human and Animal rights come in conflict, Animal rights are
preferred over Human rights.
On the other hand, Animal Welfare philosophy endorses the responsible use of animals to satisify
certain Human needs. These range from companionship to sport, uses claiming their lives such as food,
clothing and researches on them for human benefits. It enlightens the need of giving Animals all the due
rights including housing, management, nutrition, disease management and prevention.
This article highlights the Animal Welfare leagues and some radical laws and Acts operating worldwide.
ANIMAL WELFARE AND RIGHTS ON INTERNATIONAL
LEVEL:
The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals.
Looking back into the history and considering the current situation of animal welfare and rights, there’s
been a phenomenal change in mind-set of people regarding the observation of Animal rights on both
National and International horizons. Still a lot has to be added to make sure not only the safe existence
but the many fold safe thriving of many endangered species that are vital for the natural balance of
ecosystem.
Keeping pregnant sows in sow stall has been banned in UK and Europe since 1992 &
strict punishments in case of violation have been announced.
ANIMALS IN DISTRESS:
Any animal suffering from distress of any sort is entirely a responsibility of the owner. In
such case, the owner may be devoid of animal’s owner ship, a part of his property and
may be fined heavily or jailed for 2 to 6 months.
Animals Act 1890 makes cruelty to animals punishable for a first offense punishable with one month
imprisonment, or 50 rupee fine, or with three months imprisonment, or 100 rupee fine for a subsequent
offense which is committed within three years of the first one.
In 2001, bear baiting is also said to have been specifically prohibited possibly under an order of
President Musharraf. These laws although defective and old, as both were enacted by the British during
the colonial times, hardly have any deterrent value as the punishments are meager, and probably not a
single person has ever been imprisoned under these laws in the entire Pakistan.
CONCLUSION:
Comprehensively talking about this topic, there’s absolutely no two opinion about the need and
implementation of laws made in accordance with the concept of Animal rights. Currently there are
scores of laws made for the same purpose but more essential is their implementation upto the grass
root level.