ANIMAL WELFARE AND RIGHTS

(PART-II)
By
TEAN ZAHEER

(DVM student, Faculty of Veterinary Science,

UAF)
 ANIMAL WELFARE AND RIGHTS:
Human animal association has a long history on this planet. In majority of the situations man has been
the beneficiary in this association. To avoid cruelty of to animals and to make sure there well being there
are two school of thoughts (Animal rights & Animal welfare activists).

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.

 ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUES (UK, USA, NZ, AUSTRALIA, AFRICA):

Every day, the Animal Welfare League saves animals lives and works to improve the way they are
treated and regarded by society. In the Chicago land area, they help all animals through their adoption
programs, low cost clinic services, local cruelty investigations, and public education programs. Locally
they work to improve municipal, city and state laws and regulations regarding the treatment of animals
and operate the state’s largest non-profit animal shelter program. Currently, there are many
practically implemented laws made in view of Animal welfare. Some of these are described
below:

 VEAL CRATES ( BANNED IN UK & EUROPE):

The ban came into place in the UK in 1990. Six years later, continued pressure from animal
welfare organizations also resulted in legislation to ban on veal crates across Europe from 2007.
Because of this campaign, veal crates are now outlawed in all countries in the EU.

 SOW STALLS ( BANNED IN UK, RESTRICTED IN EUROPE)

Keeping pregnant sows in sow stall has been banned in UK and Europe since 1992 &
strict punishments in case of violation have been announced.

 BARREN BATTERY CAGES (BANNED IN EUROPE)

 Opposed by many, this clause of animal rights was implemented by 2007 in UK, in view
of better living of poultry.

 World’s Recent Act on Animal Welfare-2006

This act includes numerous vital clauses for the protection and kind use of Animals.
Punishments in case of violation of any of the clause have also been included as a part
of the act.

 LISENCING AND REGISTRATION:

Every animal must be registered and if domesticated, should be utilized under license
issued. This part of act is essentially important, as it accounts for the total number, kinds
and their fair usage across a country.

 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.

 ANIMAL WELFARE IN PAKISTAN:

The number of organizations operating in the country aim to create a more just and equitable
relationship between humans and animals in Pakistan. They recognize that humans have a responsibility
towards their environment and fellow species and aim to preserve and protect animal populations; their
integrity, diversity, welfare and wellbeing. We also believe that the natural environment is a shared
heritage for humankind and seek to create, promote and preserve ecologically sustainable relationships
globally.

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.