Animal rights activist support fight against corruption

http://gulfnews.com/news/world/india/animals-join-hazare-bandwagon-1.854225

Bhopal: People in Madhya Pradesh are leaving no stone unturned to pledge their support for Anna Hazare. While Wednesday saw his supporters scaling floodlight towers, some animal-lovers took out a procession yesterday with cows, dogs and goats!

On the fourth day of Anna Hazare's fast, people in Bhopal donated blood as a gesture of support for the India Against Corruption agitation. Elsewhere, about a hundred children dressed to resemble Anna Hazare sang Hum honge kaamyab [We shall overcome].

It seemed almost surreal when a timid-looking four-year-old, Udit, suddenly shouted: "Anna ladai kar rahe hain corruption ke khilaf... hum unke sath hai [Anna is fighting against corruption. We are with him]."

Moreover, autorickshaw drivers also did not ply on roads as a sign of support for Hazare.

Lawyers continued with their demonstrations by forming human chain on roads in the state's capital Bhopal.

In Narsinghpur, members of animal welfare organisation People for Animals held a march with cows, dogs and goats.

However, when Bharatiya Janata Party ward commissioners of Indore Municipal Corporation started shouting slogans inside the house, it irked Congress ward commissioners and they presented a garbage bouquet to the mayor and pointed out that the city was full of garbage while corporation members were raising slogans against graft.

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_human-chain-to-strengthen-hazares-movement-in-pune_1578095

Pune: Nearly 1,500 citizens formed a kilometre-long human chain on the Mahatma Gandhi (MG) Road on Saturday to express their solidarity with social activist Anna Hazare’s fight against corruption movement.

The otherwise busy MG Road was coloured in tricolour, as Anna’s supporters shouted slogans holding the national flags and wearing Gandhi topis.

The human chain, which began at the Aurora Towers at 5pm, stretched till the Bata Chowk in two hours with more people joining in.

“We had planned the human chain at a very short notice. But the response has exceeded our expectations. This shows the enthusiasm of the people,” said activist Vinita Deshmukh.

According to Deshmukh, people were informed through Facebook after an impromptu decision was taken to organise the human chain. 

“The indifferent attitude of the people has changed to a proactive one. Hence, events like these give people an opportunity to vent their anger and frustration against corruption,” she said.

The enthusiasm and zest of the young and the old were palpable, as they shouted slogans like ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ with gusto.

Major (retd) RS Bhatnagar, who participated in the human chain along with his family, said that he supports the Jan Lokpal Bill. 

“The rampant corruption in the country needs to be curbed with iron hand. We have come out on the streets to voice our support to Anna in a peaceful manner,” he said.

Most people in the human chain said that they were at the receiving end of corruption and hence wanted to protest. 

Amruta Ubale, an animal activist who participated in the rally with her friends, told DNA, “The animal rights movements too have been hampered by corruption. Corruption has vitiated the various sections of society and we want to cleanse it.”

As the human chain was held on only one side of the road, vehicular traffic was not disrupted and 15 policemen could easily manage the crowd.

Bollywood actress opens Delhi exhibition on “art on mugs” for animal rights

http://truthdive.com/2011/08/20/Bollywood-actress-opens-Delhi-exhibition-on-art-on-mugs-for-animal-rights.html

New Delhi, Aug.20 (ANI): Lending support to the animal rights group-”People for Animals (PFA), Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor inaugurated a fundraiser exhibition of art on mugs here.

Kapoor accompanied by PFA chairperson and lawmaker, Maneka Gandhi inaugurated the exhibition of mugs that had paintings by 50 leading Indian artists.apoor said it was an honour for her to be the chief guest for a cause dedicated to animals. She also expressed her love for animals, especially for dogs.

“Really love animals, I have three dogs. My mother often threatens me that she would kick me out of home if I bring another one. But it”s a privilege and an honour anything to help any animal is I think a gift and it”s really great to be part of something like this,” said Kapoor.

Meanwhile, Gandhi has extended her support to anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare and his Jan Lokpal Bill.

Gandhi said her son and lawmaker, Varun Gandhi had not only offered his house to Hazare as a protest venue, but had also introduced a private members bill in Parliament regarding the Lokpal Bill.

“When he first sat on the fast, I was one of the first to go at the site in support of him. My son, as you know, has put a private members bill, and in fact, had offered his house to Anna. I am deeply appreciating his work and I am really pleased that India has stood behind him. That”s the most important thing,” said Gandhi.

Varun Gandhi too attended Friday’s fund raising event. (ANI

Animal rights activists also join Anna

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/nation/north/animal-rights-activists-also-join-anna-033

Beat this. The latest to join Anna Hazare’s movement against corruption are the animal rights activists. In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations wrote that “animals continue to suffer horrendously due to poor governance and corruption. The India Against Corruption campaign resonates strongly with the animal protection movement.”

If Anna is trying to educate the “countrymen” of Jan Lokpal Bill and on the verge of launching a “second freedom struggle”, the animal rights activists want the PM to focus on how the “dogs are killed mercilessly and the guilty are not even booked, let alone punished.” And there is more.

“Parakeets are frequently caged and used as an added attraction by fortune tellers for fast money, monkeys are made to dance like puppets and cattle and sheep are transported and slaughtered illegally, in addition to the abusive lives they have had.”

While Mr Hazare talks of price rise and inflation, the activists reminded Dr Singh of how “animals are hit, dragged and cruelly handled and are often not provided with even basic necessities such as food, water and veterinary treatment. At the slaughterhouse, they are killed in view of one another and are often dismembered and skinned while they are still conscious.”

And this is all due to “poor governance”, they feel. “Poor governance and deception have conspired to block important animal protection legislation that has been due for a long time.”

And finally the organisation states: “We support Anna Ji and the rest of the country in this movement and are hopeful that at least now, a strong anti corruption legislation is brought in which will bring in the much needed relief to all those who are disempowered, including the animals.”

My take

The Animal Rights movement gets hampered by corruption too. Animal trafficking is overlooked by check post authorities because they are bribed, animals are slaughtered illegally because the slaughter house veterinarian is bribed, poachers go scot free because forest authorities are bribed, etc. The list is endless...There are laws in place for the welfare of the animals but most often the stakeholders manage to persuade the authorities to overlook it by luring them with bribe. Earlier Anna ji’s fight for freedom to information led to implementation of the Right to Information Act 2005. Since then this act is used by activists of different streams to procure information from public authorities on relevant matters.

Will dogs stop biting?

http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Aug/19/will-dogs-stop-biting--13.asp

This refers to news story Dog scare forces musalees to walk in groups, with lathis by M. Hyderi (GK 06-08-2011). It has again highlighted the difficulties faced by the public due to this menace.

Sterilization technique: Serious efforts are on throughout the world to develop non-surgical, cheap and easily accomplished techniques for controlling fertility in dogs. Use of chemicals, hormones, immunological strategies and contraceptives are some of them. However, all of these techniques are accompanied by one or more problems. They lead to temporary loss in fertility (therefore need to be repeated frequently), have lower efficacy rate, are suitable for some age groups only and have several side effects and complications in the animals subjected to these protocols. Consequently, the traditional surgical sterilization is still the best available option and therefore applied in more than 90% in highly populated cities and in developing countries. The most important advantages of this technique are its 100% guarantee of permanent sterilization and modification of undesired behaviours in dogs. 

Sterilization cost: Surgical sterilization generally named as castration, spaying or neutering requires trained veterinarians, an infrastructure and proper equipment. It involves complete removal of testes and ovaries and is performed under general anaesthesia. Antibiotics and pain killers are administered for 3 to 5 days. These dogs are also routinely injected a dose of Antirabies vaccine and monitored by a qualified veterinarian during the postoperative period. Afterwards they are released in the same areas from where they were rescued before surgery. The cost of this operation per dog estimated by Animal Welfare Board of India a few years ago is Rs.445/. Due to the escalation of the costs over the years, Rs. 500/- per dog may currently be considered reasonable. Thus the expenditure for sterilization of required 70% of the animals (i.e 70,000 dogs of Srinagar city with rough estimate of 1.0 lac dogs) would arrive at a figure of 3.5 crore. Adding the cost of infrastructure and wages for the workforce (approximately 0.5 crore), the total expenditure would be around 4.0 crore. 

 Bodies of dead dogs which were killed illegally in March 2011

 

Animal Welfare Board of India appears ready to provide its 50% share therefore the state government is expected to spend a total of Rs 2.0 crore for the project. Considering the large number of stray dogs in Srinagar and half of the financial year already over, if only half of the dogs are sterilized during the current year, the amount to be allocated by the state government would be Rs 1.0 crore. After the number of the dogs is reduced to the required level in a period of 1 to 2 years period, it would be easier and quite cheap to just maintain the required number in future. Surgery although appearing costly initially but is a lifelong solution and hence may be more cost efficient over time. It is surprising to note that on one hand the state government has made it a policy to sterilize stray dogs (as is done everywhere) and on the other hand money required for initiation of this important and urgent mission is not earmarked despite the fact that hundreds and thousands of crores are being spent every year.

Establishment of ponds for stray dogs: The directions of the honourable judges to catch the stray dogs and put them in ponds (to be established on the outskirts of the city) are aimed at giving immediate respite to the public. The efforts to establish such a pond appears to have been initiated by the Srinagar Municipality in Ganderbal district. However, considering some basic facts related to the canine behavior and their disease epidemiology, this exercise would add to the problems rather than reducing them. The canines are territorial animals and therefore live within a specified area and do not allow dogs of other areas to enter their jurisdiction easily. Territorial behavior in domestic dogs reminds us of their wolf-like ancestors. Once confined together in a pond, they will start fighting and injuring each other. The stress of confinement, injuries and their consequences would decrease their natural immunity and may lead to outbreaks of devastating diseases like mange, maggot infestation of the inflicted wounds and Rabies. Such animals cannot be caught repeatedly for treatment and their continued confinement will defeat all efforts to manage their diseases. 

Consequently serious animal welfare issues are likely to crop up. Additionally the attending staff would also be exposed to the threat of contracting several zoonotic (spread from animals to man) diseases. Location of the ponds in outskirts of the city may also invite more frequent visits of the wild animals into the human population and increase their attacks to the human and domestic animals. On top of it all, the expenditure of maintaining thousands of dogs (by way of providing food, watch and ward, monitoring of disease outbreaks etc) would be many times the cost of sterilization along with postoperative care for 4 to 5 days (the strategy followed in all states of the country). We have not been able to spend for sterilization alone, how can we spare millions for the feeding and maintenance of such a large number of canine populations in addition to sterilization?
 

The million dollar question: “Will a dog stop biting once sterilized?: Spaying and neutering of the dogs is an often suggested remedy for various behavior problems. “Testosterone acts as a modulator that makes dogs react more intensely. When an intact (uncastrated) dog decides to react to something, he reacts more quickly, with greater intensity and for a longer period of time.” Neutering the male dog removes testes, the source of circulating testosterone. Testosterone has the effect of modulating sexually dimorphic behaviors as well as aggressive or reactive behaviors. Most extensive surveys on the effects of castration on dogs have come up with the findings that roaming is reduced in 90% and aggression in 60% of the cases. Sterilized males usually become less aggressive. Due to the maternal instinct of the bitches to protect their young ones, they become aggressive when approached. Spaying will prevent the cycling of estrogen and progesterone, which may prevent associated behaviors. Spayed bitches will not have to protect the pups hence are less likely expected to attack the passersby. Therefore, the biting instances by the dog’s consequent to sterilization must reduce considerably. It has been noticed that nonsurgical techniques unlike surgical sterilization, do not reduce the undesired behaviours of the dogs.

(Dr. Mujeeb Fazili is Associate Professor Surgery, Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SKUAST-K. Feedback at fazili_mr@yahoo.co.in)

Elephant polo cancelled after protest

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Elephant-polo-cancelled-after-protest/articleshow/9641699.cms

JAIPUR: A global campaign by animal right activists has led to cancellation of the day-long prestigious elephant polo tournament scheduled on Sunday and slated to be witnessed by who's who of the corporate world at the Rajasthan Polo Ground here.

The main sponsor of the event - Carlsberg India Pvt. Ltd. - withdrew on Tuesday in view of the growing opposition to the event as animal right activists from across the world had launched a campaign against it. 

"We acknowledge the concern raised by you on our proposed association with the elephant polo sport. After having heard and considered all view points, raised by you and various other stakeholders, we have decided to stop our association with this event," Rishi Wadhera of the Carlsberg India Pvt. Ltd. PR & Communications wrote to the founder chairman of People for Animals (PFA), Naresh Kadyan, who was spearheading the campaign against the regal sports.

Wadhera further wrote: "While we comprehend that these specific elephants were in no way being violated, we respect the concern being raised and hence, have decided to do the right thing."

Animal right activists consider elephant polo just another way of deriving "sadistic" pleasure by humans in watching the captive jumbos in excruciating pain, for nothing but entertainment of mankind.

"We sought intervention from the President of India and the government of Rajasthan through letters signed by animal activists from across the globe after which the polo match was canceled," Kadyan told TOI on Wednesday. 

Elephant polo 2006

He said around 450 animal right activists from more than 80 countries had signed the letter seeking cancellation of the match. Letters were sent to the Chief Justice of India, Union minister for environment and forest (Jayanthi Natrajan), National Advisory Council (Sonia Gandhi, chairperson), Union law minister, Vice President, Ainimal Welfare Division director, Dr. Anmol Kumar, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

In the letter, Kadyan had stated, "It is with a lot of pain, torture and abuse that a captured wild elephant is made ready to play the game/sport of 'elephant polo'. I was shocked to learn about 'Carlsberg Elephant Strong presents the Polo Cup - Unique Sporting Experiences on August 21 2011 in Jaipur'."

Further, the PFA chief has narrated in his letter that elephants do not naturally ride bicycles, stand on their heads, balance on balls, jump through rings of fire, or play polo. "In order to force them to perform these confusing and physically uncomfortable tricks, elephants are typically trained with extremely cruel methods that inflict pain and cause fear. Supporting the barbaric practice of forcing elephants to entertain tourists will only tarnish your company's reputation. I hope that you will take action on this important issue."

Elephants are now a national heritage animal of of the country and protected under Scheduled I of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972. Former Union minister for environment and forest Jairam Ramesh had introduced a scheme titled, "haathi mere saathi", a campaign to conserve elephants.

Will non-veg make inmates violent, HC questions state

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Will-non-veg-make-inmates-violent-HC-questions-state/articleshow/9628520.cms

MUMBAI: The Bombay high court has asked the state to explain its decision not to permit cooking of non-vegetarian food in prison kitchens and questioned the "logic" behind it. Justice Ranjana Desai and Justice R G Ketkar were hearing a petition filed by inmates of Arthur Road prison challenging the closure of canteens in prisons. The court at an earlier hearing had asked the prison authorities to consider the plea of prisoners to be served non-vegetarian food items.

Public prosecutor Pandurang Pol said a decision is yet to be taken on the plea and prison authorities are seeking information from jails in seven states. Pol added that cooking can't be allowed in canteens as the rule permits cooking only in the kitchen. "(The state) cannot take chances with security," he added. To this, Justice Desai said, "We don't expect you to compromise on security, but you must also be reasonable."

Pol said cooking cannot be allowed, as per a rule, in any part of the prison premises except the kitchen.

"Why not prepare non-vegetarian food in your regular kitchens," Desai asked the state. The judges also pointed out that the rule does not disallow cooking of non-vegetarian food. Pol then added that it had been a practice not to cook non-vegetarian food.

"What is the logic behind this? There must be some scientific reason. Will prisoners become more violent if they have non-vegatarian food?" said Justice Desai, amused.

The judges noted in their order that Pol "is unable to point out any rule that prohibits non-vegetarian food being cooked in prison kitchens." They directed prison authorities to explain their decision. Advocates for the petitioners AMZ Ansari and Farhana Shah said that non-vegetarian food is served only on four days in a year, and is unavailable otherwise even if prisoners are willing to purchase it with the money earned by them. Pol countered that non-vegetarian food is served on nine festival days in a year.

"We'd like the state to strike a balance. Perhaps if a balance is struck, the prison administration may be able to secure peace in the prisons,'' said Justice Desai.

Ansari and Shah also informed the court that the state was not providing fruits, dates etc. to Muslim prisoners during Ramzan. Pol countered that fasting prisoners are provided fruits and sheer-khurma (vermicelli pudding). The judges directed the state to file an affidavit substantiating its claim. "You (prisoner) must realise you are in prison or some will prefer to live there for rest of life,'' said Justice Desai, on a parting note.

The matter has been adjourned for two weeks.

My take

Armando D'Elia, a naturalist, chemist and expert in vegetarian dietetics states that meat eating leads to aggression and violence. Meat proteins reduces tryptophane levels in the brain leading to aggression, anxiety and a tendency to fight.  An example pointing in this direction is that of the warriors. They consumed large amount of meat between battles which developed their aggression.  Well-known words of the philosopher, Jacopo Moleschott, which confirms meat's aggressive influence: "As long as the Irishman is fed with potatoes, he will be subjugated by the Englishman eating steak and roast beef."

 “The blood supply to the brain carries with it the meat catabolites, the brain's physiology is affected, and in the behaviour we will note - I repeat - intolerance, the tendency to quarrelsomeness and aggression: hatred instead of love; separation, antisocial behaviour and violence instead of conviviality and togetherness. In this way humans get stuck in antisocial attitudes and fierce individualism, and those who want power need only divide and rule. 

Those in power know how to use the weapon of food to influence human behaviour towards what is most convenient for their purposes, and so they do all they can to encourage us to eat dead, poisoned, intoxicating foods, especially meat. Ultimately the target is the brain, which they want to render incapable of understanding. In conclusion, while vegetarianism favours the highest cognitive faculties, carcasses depress them, encouraging behaviours damaging to the individual and society, and reduce serotonin levels.” Armando D'Elia.