Freedom From Animal Cruelty: 15 Small Ways You Can Do Your Bit to Care for Animals

Compassion and kindness are true-blue Indian values. Even the Constitution of India reflects these values in its Fundamental Duties [51 A (g)]. Show your kindness and stand up for the animals. As you celebrate your freedom, take a moment to learn about ways to help animals in India be free from cruelty. Here’s what you can do to make a difference:

Campaign for animals

Lend your support to animal protection campaigns by urging your local political representative to champion animal welfare legislation and by adding your signature to online petitions here. In India, Humane Society International (HSI) is active in the following campaigns:

Pesticide testing

They are calling for an amendment to the animal testing requirements for safety testing of pesticides to include alternatives to animal methods and reduce the number of animals where replacement is not possible.

Farm animals

A Call for an end to the cruel confinement of farm animals. In particular, we’re seeking a prohibition on the use of battery cages to confine egg-laying hens. Battery cages are tiny wire enclosures used in the egg industry that is so small, hens can’t extend their wings or exhibit their natural behaviour.

No More 50!

Increase penalty for animal cruelty. The maximum fine of Rs.50 for animal abuse, pet neglect, overloading, killing and all other forms of animal cruelty is appallingly small and unlikely to deter any would-be abusers. Demand an increase to this penalty NOW.

Caged hens at egg facility.
Have you heard of the Meatless Monday movement?

If you eat meat, cutting meat, eggs and dairy from your diet just one day a week not only helps reduce animal welfare issues in factory farms, but also reduces your carbon footprint and can reduce your risk of chronic health conditions.

HSI/India works with policy makers, corporate and law enforcement officials to end the intensive confinement of hens in battery cages and to enforce animal protection laws in relation to transport and slaughter of farm animals.

As a consumer, you can help animals by reducing the number of animal products you consume, replacing them with vegetarian products, and choosing animal products from sources that adhere to higher animal welfare standards if you do eat them when possible. Visit here for delicious and healthy plant-based meal ideas.

Conscious and ethical buying choices

As a consumer you have the power to make conscious and ethical buying choices. Buying cage-free eggs, free range meat and cruelty-free cosmetics sends a powerful message.

More and more options are available today- such as eggs from the Happy Hens Farm in Bengaluru, Keggs Farm and other retailers, and cosmetics from cruelty-free companies

Adopt don’t shop!

The cruelty in the animal breeding industry is shocking, to say the least. Not all animal breeders are bad apples, but we recommend visiting the place raising the dog or cat you’re hoping to bring home and ensure the animals are well treated and cared for.

We also recommend visiting your local animal shelter. Many shelters are full of pets who are in need of a home and can provide as much unending loyalty, love and companionship as any other pet.

Street dogs need love too

Help ensure that the dogs in your neighbourhood are sterilised and vaccinated. By humanely controlling their population, the dogs in your community will be happier, healthier and friendlier. You can learn more about our street dog welfare program by visiting hsi.org/streetdogs.

Witness animal cruelty? Don’t be passive – report it!

Studies show that those engaging in animal abuse are not too far from inflicting harm on their fellow humans. For protecting our fellow non-human earthlings and for the safety of our society report animal abuse. You can inform a local animal welfare organisation, go directly to the police or call us at +91 7674922044.

Wild animals should stay in the wild.

Refer to the lists (Schedule I- IV) in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to learn which animals are protected, and report any illegal pets, captive animals or protected wildlife being traded alive or for their parts!

Indian Star Tortoise
Learn about the laws

Do you know that it is illegal to abandon a pet animal? Or that no animal can be slaughtered outside a slaughterhouse? There are plenty of excellent but little-known animal welfare laws. Here are 15 important animal laws you need to know

HSI/India offers Animal Welfare law training programs to empower citizens to make change in their local communities. Email us at [email protected] to learn more about our next training program.

Keep pets safe during the holidays.

As the holiday season rolls around again, resolve to keep animals in mind during festival celebrations – like ensuring firecrackers don’t distress animals on Diwali.

Welcome the birds

Make a bird feeder for your balcony, with oil-rich seeds and cereals and ensure you have a water bowl for them.

Community water bowls

Access to clean drinking water is the most basic requirement for street animals, including cats, dogs and crows. Start a water-bowl project in your community or close to your office. Place water bowls on street corners for stray animals and on terraces and balconies for birds. Ensure that these bowls have clean drinking water at all times.

Litter pick up

Organise a ‘clean-a-thon’ in your neighbourhood, or if you live in a coastal area, on the local beach. Everyday litter injures and even kills animals, so apart from improving the environment you’ll also be helping wildlife.