BY HAROON RASHID BHAT
Animals are a hugely important part of the human world, relied upon for food, used as research models, companions, working animals, for sports, and recreation. All religions recognize the inherent value of animal life and the need to avoid animal suffering. During the past few decades, efforts for animal protection have expanded exponentially. Several countries now recognize the rights of the environment and the rights of animals under their Constitutions. Various efforts have been made by other organizations also in the form of Declarations etc for the rights of the animals. But unfortunately, the worsening condition of animals continues to prevail despite the guidelines mentioned in the religious texts and existing legislative framework dealing with animals.
The recently uploaded videos showing the pathetic condition of horses motivated me to write this piece of writing. The horse is one of the most vulnerable creatures which have been suffering inhuman treatment by the so-called modern man. The domestication of horses had taken place approximately 6,000 years ago. Since then, horses had/have a profound effect on human history. Human life was not as comfortable as it is today. We are enjoying the best and speedy transport facilities but decades back, we fully relied on certain animals for transportation. Among them, the horses were the most reliable and easily available option in all civilizations. Horses and other animals were used to pull wheeled vehicles, chariots, carts, and wagons. We covered a hard and long-distance and fought battles on its back but our abrupt changing attitude left this poor creature in miserable condition. It has been seen that some selfish horse owners utilize them in all seasons for various purposes to fulfill their socioeconomic needs except the winter season. They don’t bother to spend money on their health and hygiene. Usually, when the winter season set in, they leave them unattended and unguarded. During this season, these poor creatures are seen roaming in residential areas, marshy lands, or open fields. If a herd of horses damages the rabbi crops or kitchen garden of any person in the locality, the owner of the land busted his anger on them. Their harsh cold nights are usually spent on roads, a few of them become accident victims. This inhuman attitude from all sides makes their life pathetic.
If something adverse happens to us, we as human beings frequently reacted against that odd situation. If our rights are being exploited, we launch our protest or register a complaint against it in the designated institutions. Where do these poor creatures go? I think there are two solutions. One is that horse holder should change this irresponsible and cruel attitude. The second solution can be to take strict action against the violators. It is the responsibility of the state to frame laws and safeguard all living entities falling within its territory. There should be a proper record of the register of domestic animals in Municipalities or village Panchayats. Health cards should be allotted in favor of them so that their health and hygiene records will be maintained. Let this assignment be given to the Animal husbandry Department. For this purpose, the concerned department can utilize the services of the local veterinary centers. Earlier in villages, there was a traditional legal system that was developed by the villagers locally. According to this system, if animals, sheep, or cow or bull o horses roaming and were found involved in illegal grazing, they were put behind bars -Fhatak. The owner of the animal could only get back his animal when he would pay the fine for the damage caused by the animal without hurting the animal. Because they thought it was the fault of man not the fault of an animal.
Haroon Rashid Bhat is a teacher by profession and can be reached at minamharoon123@gmail.com
