By Team Introverts
Animals are spending more time in our homes and hearts. They are the most innocent and loving creatures on the planet. Unless provoked, they will never intentionally harm humans. However, we must face the reality that some animals, eventhough kept as pets, endure animal cruelty and abuse.
Animal abuse or animal cruelty is an act or omission to inflict physical harm, suffering or death on an animal beyond necessity for normal discipline.
The intense public reaction to animal cruelty cases covered by the media suggests that the public is concerned about the treatment of animals, and believes animal cruelty to be a social problem worthy of police attention. The authorities are usually in an ideal position to identify warning signs of animal cruelty and neglect. In cases of simple neglect, police who identify the signs of animal cruelty can offer information, suggestions for improving animal care, or warnings, which will usually rectify the situation before a serious tragedy occurs.
Abusive acts toward animals include causing physical trauma to animals such as beating, burning, suffocating or drowning. Unfortunately, many types of physical animal abuse are condoned within certain industries. For example, chickens in the egg industry are often transported in tiny cages that result in an untimely death for some.
Animal neglect, another common type of animal abuse, is fundamentally a failure to provide for the needs of animals. This could be leaving a dog outside without access to clean water or shelter from the elements, failure to feed a hamster, or not providing for the medical needs of an animal that has been injured and needs veterinary attention. Though neglect is often unintentional or due to financial or other constraints on the part of the neglectful person, it is irresponsible.
Animal experimentation entails using animals to test the viability and safety of drugs and cosmetics. Though there has been an increase in laws regulating or banning the use of animal experimentation for cosmetic purposes, it is still standard practice for medical trials. In many laboratory settings performing animal research, the animals do suffer. Laboratories attempt to mitigate this suffering with the use of pain medications, sedation, and anaesthesia. Another mitigation technique employed is that researchers set a limit to the level of suffering animals are subjected to, prior to euthanasia.
As animal abuse is a serious issue, it has received much attention in today’s society. There are some ways to address this issue effectively. Firstly, the awareness of the society on this issue should be enhanced through educating people.
The government plays an important role in addressing animal abuse. Laws related to this should be stricter and hasher penalties should be imposed to deter people from abusing animals. In Malaysia, people who commit violent acts toward animals will be penalised with a fine ranging from RM 20,000–100,000, or a maximum imprisonment of 3 years, or both, under the Animal Welfare Act 2015. By passing those legislations, the abusers can be punished under laws and the welfare of the animals are protected and strengthen.
Animal cruelty can be difficult to spot, it is usually hidden or done behind closed doors in a science lab, factory, or farm. Although there were actions taken by the government and people to address this issue, more should be done in order to provide a safe and protected environment for animals to live.
Related Posts
