Animals have always held a significant place in human society. That is even truer in the case of Nepal where we worship different animals and birds. However, the revered role of animals in our lives is contrasted with the unimaginable cruelty and torture they often endure at the hands of human beings. While many developed countries have established strong measures and animal welfare acts to protect the rights of animals, it is unfortunate that Nepal has yet to implement similar provisions, leaving innocent animals vulnerable to mistreatment by people who consider themselves superior to them. 

The implementation of an Animal Welfare Act is crucial to ensure that animals are treated with compassion. Keeping that in mind, a comprehensive workshop was held on August 9, 2024, to discuss and promote the Animal Welfare Bill currently being drafted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. The idea behind the workshop was to receive valuable input from experts who have partnered with Sneha’s Care for years and have dedicated themselves to this noble cause.

Sneha’s Care, located in Lalitpur Metropolitan Municipality, was founded in 2015 with the sole objective of treating animals with respect and value. For nearly a decade, Sneha’s Care has been unwavering in its efforts to improve the lives of voiceless animals through various initiatives such as medical treatment, rescue and rehabilitation, sterilization programs for community dogs, large-scale anti-rabies vaccination efforts, and rescuing abandoned cows and calves, pigs, buffalos and other animals. Additionally, the organization conducts awareness campaigns and educational programs promoting plant-based vegan food products.

Moreover, the transportation of animals is often neglected, with little consideration given to their comfort or well-being. Stakeholders must take decisive action to ensure that animal transportation is conducted humanely and conveniently and is animal-friendly. Despite the abundance of healthcare facilities for people, animal welfare is often overlooked within the healthcare sector. The government needs to prioritize the construction of animal hospitals in all 77 districts of the country and deploy trained veterinarians to these healthcare centers and hospitals. 

Numerous animals, including goats, cows, sheep, and lambs, are subjected to inhumane treatment and sacrificed in the name of religious rituals and traditions. Additionally, many pets are abandoned on the streets by their owners, forcing these poor animals to fend for themselves in challenging conditions. Furthermore, incidents of animals consuming hazardous materials, such as plastics, have led to tragic consequences. 

It is unfathomable that our national animal cow is worshiped during festivals like Tihar, only to be abandoned by its owners afterwards when it no longer produces milk. Similarly, male calves are abandoned because they will not produce milk in the future. These abandoned cattle end up ingesting plastics and other toxic substances, which ultimately lead to their deaths. Also, they can lead to road accidents.  

One unsettling incident took place in the Kathmandu Valley’s Kirtipur a month ago, when a man brutally attacked an innocent dog, causing severe injuries to its eyes. Sneha’s Care rescued the critically injured dog and filed a complaint against the culprit. As a result, the perpetrator was apprehended and detained for 10 days and currently facing trial at the court.

In response to these distressing realities, Sneha’s Care is dedicated to promoting animal welfare and advocating for urgent measures to ensure the sustainability of our campaign. Our organization is collaborating with the Government of Nepal and its concerned agencies to formulate and implement an inclusive and comprehensive Animal Welfare Act. Furthermore, as part of our ongoing efforts, our organization has successfully implemented Cattle Welfare Standards 2023 and has extended these standards to cattle breeding firms in five provinces across the country. 

The federal government of Nepal is anticipated to develop and implement an Animal Welfare Act soon. This act will encompass a wide range of issues related to animal welfare, addressing matters such as the specific concerns that need to be regulated by the law and ensuring that the legislation is equitable for all animals and birds. 

Lastly, individuals must take an active stance against acts of cruelty towards animals rather than remaining silent bystanders. Perpetrators who engage in cruel behavior towards animals should face severe consequences. Animals are integral members of our society, and every individual must treat them with affection and compassion.

Together, we can make a difference.

 
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