Indian mythology has always been known for aeons, symbolizing creation, destruction, evolution, values and morals. This magnum opus had the significance of animals as it’s crux. Fables of birds and animals etched on the monoliths of temples, in our holy books and manuscripts and shrines dedicated to pay our respects. The supreme deity, Lord Ganesha who bears the head of an elephant, mighty Lord Hanuman the divine vanara or the fiery and raging Narasimha (half man and half lion) or Nandi, Shiva’s beloved stead are some exemplary symbols of animal worship. In a culture dominated by throngs of ardent devotees fawning over and worshipping these incarnations, the current heinous instances of animal cruelty have shamed and besmirched our cultured.
A recent instance of animal cruelty which garnered attention from millions was the ‘intentional’ feeding of a fire cracker laced pineapple to a pregnant elephant in Kerala’s Palakkad district leading to it’s very tragic death. The elephant had wandered into the village in search of food and was fed the death seasoned fruit by a few locals and it burst in her mouth, leaving her jaw fractured and in unbearable pain. The firecrackers laced pineapple was meant for the wild boars that destroyed the farmlands of the locals. A thorough investigation was then conducted against the suspects.The incident was gut wrenching and left the nation appalled. Albeit, recent claims from the Kerala Government and Environment Ministry stated that the fruit was accidentally fed by the locals. However, this inhumane nature cannot be justified as our nation reeks of countless animal cruelty encounters.
Another poignant incident that took place in Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh on 6th June was when a man was arrested for allegedly feeding firecrackers mixed wheat balls to his neighbour’s cow. The poor bovine’s jaw was completely shattered as seen in a video uploaded by her owner, Gurdayal Singh. Netizens broke into angst demanding strict action against the notorious neighbour. In a country where communal dissent prevails at the mere thought of sacrificing a cow for it’s meat with worldwide debates and mob lynchings there hasn’t been much action taken to curb such tyrant practices.
As bigoted and narrow minded religious fanatics spark communal disharmony on banning processions led by elephants that are beaten, tortured, made to stand for hours adorned in heavy ornaments. Or even, harvesting conch shells or defanging thousands of captured snakes for Nag Panchami and sanctioning such practices in the name of ‘upholding and protecting the religion’. It does not seem unusual to cast a blind eye on such instances.
As numerous, graphically disturbing images resurface on the internet of dogs with legs tied together just flung into rivers or a few merciless locals parading with a dead, beaten up leopard it really makes us question our conscience. Though our religious beliefs have become quite anaemic at this juncture it’s time to curb this gut wrenching cruelty as humans and in the name of humanity. Educate children on caring for animals, make sure you report any kind of malpractice to an animal care centre or helpline. Starting small by purchasing only cruelty free products and refraining from engaging in any sources of entertainment that propagates animal abuse.
International Journal of Research (IJR) 