70 cities along with Sydney launch movement against animal abuse in India on September 18
Thousands of citizens from across the globe have come together under a single banner ”“ India Unites For Animals (IUFA) ”“ a citizens’ initiative and the largest ever animal rights movement in the world, to demand introduction of a new Animal Welfare Bill to replace old archaic animal welfare laws in India.
In a never-before display of strength and purpose, we will take to the streets in a peaceful, massive synchronized campaign to launch the IUFA movement simultaneously in over 70 cities across 8 countries in 5 continents on 18th September 2016. In cities of US, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Nepal, few issues have agitated Indians so much as animal abuse has now, triggered by the spew of violent acts unleashed against animals by individuals, corporates, municipalities, officials and authorities.
Many cases such as the way a young puppy was flung from the terrace of a building or newborn puppies burnt alive and captured live on video by the perpetrators themselves, acid attacks on animals, increase in beef and leather exports making India number one exporter in beef and number five in leather, proposal to open a new, largest-in-Asia animal testing lab, endangered species like penguins being brought to zoos, and culling of wildlife are all evidence to show how these acts have become points of social flaunting, administrative greed and of people showing shocking disregard or fear of law. Adding agony to this is the fact that animal activists struggle to get complaints lodged and culprits arrested, and finally see them walking away with fines less than AUD 2 which is a shame!
Animal loving citizens in India and the world are mobilising against this violence and abuse, apathy and cruelty against animals, and are now joining hands to demand the passing of a long pending Animal Welfare Bill in India, along with better enforcement and tougher punishment for abusers, and greater accountability from lawmakers.
INDIA UNITES FOR ANIMALS is not a single day event, but the beginning of a movement to force changes in the country and society. Ever since the idea was mooted, the movement has received thousands of endorsements, promise of support from all quarters, including celebrities, large names in animal activism and welfare like the Humane Society International, and hundreds of NGOs, shelters and activists from all over the country and abroad! A clear signal to India to wake up to the need of the hour and recognize the might of the combined strength of animal lovers.
Sydney is one of the cities that will be part of the first-ever global mobilisation against animal abuse in India on 18 September (Sunday). The event, to be organized under the banner “India Unites for Animals”, will be held on Sunday at the Westfield Pitt Street Mall from 11am to 1pm.
Says the organiser of Sydney event, Madhusmita Hazarika, “It aims to create awareness on the rising incidents of cruel animal abuse in India, and request lawmakers in India to bring in a new and updated animal welfare law in the country. The synchronized event, completely led by volunteers, will be organized the same day in 70 cities across 8 countries in 5 continents. Apart from Sydney, volunteers in Australia will also organize awareness events in Brisbane and Melbourne.”
“India’s current animal welfare act (the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act) has not been updated since it was enacted in 1960. As a result, a first instance of animal abuse (no matter how brutal) has a fine of only Rs 100, which is less than 2 AUD. Concerned citizens around the world, irrespective of any personal/ professional affiliation, have therefore started this ”˜India Unites for Animals’ movement, to bring awareness on the issue and request lawmakers in India to enact a new policy on animal welfare that is more in tune with the times, and has stricter penalties for animal abuse.”
“I ask all animal-lovers to come forward and join in this worthwhile cause.” Madhusmita says.
More information about the event can be found on their Facebook page –
https://www.facebook.com/events/864902590307298/ ]
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