PeTA Explains Animal Rights (VIth and Concluding Part)

There are many animal friends among humans. But, are they following legal and moral rules connected to taking care of these organisms, who cannot speak human language? A Journalist Reveals connected with the Indian chapter of the animal rights organization PeTA to learn a few things about animal-keeping. So, Deepak Chaudhary, Emergency Response Coordinator – PeTA India and Wildlife Conservationist – WSI helps us with the last part of the article – PeTA Explains Animal Rights (VIth and Concluding Part). 

Potty of dogs is a nuisance if the caretakers do not make proper provisions to remove them. What about the dogs’ urine? This remains unattended, dries up and can spread diseases. What does the law say about it?

As per the revised guidelines on Pet and Street dogs laid by Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) drafted in 2015, pet owners, or the other caregivers or dog walkers, they entrust their pets to are advised to either clean up when their pet defecates or urinates in public premises, or participate in other solutions to maintain cleanliness. Pet owners are advised to take the initiative to discuss with their RWA’s ways and means to dispose of pet excreta. For instance, pet corners can be designated in which pets can be trained/encouraged to relieve themselves and a corner of the complex/park can be designated as an area where pet poop can be collected and disposed off. However, it is clarified that it is for each residential community and complex to decide which method works for them and solutions cannot be imposed on anybody.

We have seen different pet birds die due to deficient care given by the caretakers. These people are, obviously, not trained for it. There are 2 issues here. One – what can be done about the dead bodies (the carcasses lie unattended on the road)? Second – how can the deaths be avoided?

1. Nagar Nigam or Local municipality are the authorities who pick up the carcasses of stray animals.
2. Birds are meant to fly and be with others of their own kind in a natural environment. For markets, birds are either bred in captivity or captured in ways that cause extreme distress, stuffed into boxes or bags – often with their wings cut or taped – and sent to be sold. Many birds die along the way. Birds kept in cages for so-called entertainment often suffer from malnutrition, an improper environment, loneliness, depression and the stress of confinement.

As per a recent expose by a news outlet, it was found that markets that sell birds also trade in wild species. As per the expose, the markets sell owls, parrots, tortoise and many other wild animals under a gross violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972,

The Honourable High Court of Gujarat, in its judgment dated 12 May 2011, stated the following:

• “Nobody has a right to inflict pain or suffering to others inclusive of the animals and birds”.
• “To keep birds in cages would [be] tantamount to illegal confinement of the birds which is in violation of [the] right of the birds to live in free air/sky”.
• “It is the fundamental right of the bird to live freely in the open sky”.
• In reference to cruel methods of capturing and handling birds, “When everybody is talking about the fundamental rights of the citizen, such as, rights to live freely, right to food, right to move freely, etc.; a day has come to think about the rights of the birds and animals because of such act even the birds have vanished and their numbers are in the decrease”.

Following the Honourable High Court of Gujarat’s order, Circulars have been issued by officials in Chandigarh, Faridabad, Haryana and Gautam Buddha Nagar, Dadra and Nagar Haveli against the caging of birds.

PeTA is working with the state governments of India and asking them to issue clear directions banning the caging of birds, on the similar lines of Hon’ble Gujarat High Court order.