- Since times immemorial, humankind and various animals have existed in great harmony, blending seamlessly as well as showing mutual respect to each other. The coexistence of humans and animals in an extremely congruent manner has naturally furthered the cause of Mother Nature’s plans for all of us. After all, who would dispute the fact that everyone breathing the same air made available by Mother Nature is also expected to share bountiful resources equitably? None whatsoever. However, humankind from time to time has witnessed in a not-so-subtle way the superficial superiority complex exhibited that goes against the tenet of harmonious living between all creatures. Thus, the cruelty of differing nature towards animals comes forth grotesquely.
PC: Times of India
- Of course, pet animals have been the greatest friendly creatures for humankind for ages. And both continue to forge such an unbreakably strong bond, even now, drawing applause and appreciation for sustaining positive emotions despite humans inflicting cruelty in varied forms. As reported recently, the death of 16 racehorses in Jabalpur and Hyderabad shows the appalling state of animal care in India. As you are aware, horses are a marvel of nature. Powerful yet graceful, mesmerizing but sensitive, man’s companion in war and peace for 5,500 years. It was central to the idea of empire in ancient India – Ashvamedha – and key to the growth of megacities. London had 50,000 horses for transportation alone in 1900; NYC had more than 100,000. What’s the state now?
PC: Hindustan Times
- Most worryingly, horses have disappeared from modern cities, barring their racecourses, and news from the paddock isn’t good either. Eight racehorses, out of work after the collapse of an alleged racing and betting league, have died in Jabalpur, MP. Reports say 57 such horses were transported from Hyderabad, where eight others died at the Hyderabad Race Club last year, by road at the height of summer. As blood tests have not confirmed any infection, the officials suspect heat, malnutrition, and lack of veterinary care killed them. If true, this is criminal and must not go unpunished. Animals are never stakeholders in any human enterprise, be it a racecourse, dairy, or zoo. Whether it succeeds or fails, they should be taken care of.
PC: Animal Legal Defense Fund
- Sadly, too many animal owners in India don’t get this. Dry cows abandoned by dairies, dogs dumped post-pandemic, and now this. Why is there such insensitivity towards magnificent animal breeds? Horse racing is not a humane sport. For the uninitiated, adolescent horses are put on the track and peak by the age of 4.5 years, before they attain full skeletal maturity. Injuries are common and still almost impossible to heal. Death can come mid-race via a collapsed heart or bleeding lungs. Horses with broken legs used to be shot; now there are lethal injections. Digest this. In the US, the industry is estimated to kill horses every day. All the beauty and poetry in a horse race is in the beholder’s eye. Let’s not forego empathy and sympathy towards animals.
