Animals : Do you treat them fairly?
Animal welfare has become a widely spoken topic today due to the fact that they have fallen prey to inhumane human activities. During the past few weeks we came across incidents where leopards were shot at a renowned national park in Sri Lanka and also the continuous threats imposed to wild elephants. It is not only cats and dogs who should be given protection but every other animal living in the island since even the tiniest insect contributes immensely to our biodiversity. Today, the Daily Mirror Life spoke to the youth to find out whether they are doing their bit to protect these innocent lives.
Hasith
I think the youth have always found an interest in pets. They are not cruel to pets anymore maybe due to the awareness campaigns that are being carried out.
Amila
There are times when people are cruel to animals. Not only have the youth but even adults sometimes thrown away innocent animals when they feel that they can’t foster them at home anymore.
Rasindu
Some young people are reckless drivers. Many stray dogs have been succumbed to injuries due to accidents.
Adnan
There are many organisations that now take care of abandoned and injured pets. I think they are doing a great deal to pets and more young people should be involved in these activities rather than being cruel to these innocent lives.
Youth animal welfare programmes worldwide
· International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) : IFAW has taken centre stage to provide Animal Action Education around the world and believes that children are the key to a better future for animals. Through IFAW’s education programmes they wish to empower young people and their communities to take positive action for animals.
· Youth Heroes : A programme to acknowledge children who make remarkable contributions to the Animal Welfare Society. Their programmes include providing humane education where children get to listen to ‘furry tales’ and even have pizza with pets.
· One Green Planet : A Vietnamese report revealed that 13 to 21 year olds believe that they care for animals more than freedom of speech and the environment.
By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe
Photographs by Kithsiri de Mel
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