Plastic Ban – Are we doing enough?

A ban on single-use plastics – Issues that need to be addressed for the effective implementation of the ban

  In order to fight the country’s increasingly polluted and littered streets, India has banned single-use plastics – everything from spoons to tobacco packages. The government disregarded the requests of the food, beverage, and consumer goods industries to delay the limitation in order to prevent disruptions when it announced the ban. India, the second most populated nation in the world, has seen a substantial increase in the pollution caused by plastic waste.

The demand for goods that come with single-use plastic items, including straws and throwaway cutlery, has increased as a result of rapid economic expansion. India uses roughly 14 million tonnes of plastic yearly, but there is no organized system in place to manage plastic garbage, which results in a lot of littering. Used plastic items that eventually clog sewers, rivers, and seas and also harm wildlife are very popular. Straws, cutlery, earbuds, packaging films, plastic sticks for balloons, confectionery and ice cream, and cigarette packs are among the products that India has banned, according to a statement issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration. The government has currently exempted plastic bags, which is a comfort for consumers, but it has asked importers and producers to increase the thickness of the bags to encourage reuse. Plastic producers have also voiced their dissatisfaction with the prohibition, claiming that it did not allow them enough time to get ready for the limitation. In addition, there have also been objections from the consumer goods and the food and beverage businesses. Some experts claim that it might be difficult to enforce the ban. The government has made the decision to establish control rooms to monitor any unauthorized distribution, sale, or usage of single-use plastic products.

• What is Plastic?

• Harms of Plastic

• Laws on Plastic Ban

• Implementation of these laws

• Role of government

• Role of citizens

• The 3 R’s

• What should be done for the effective implementation of the ban?

• Conclusion

 

What is Plastic?

An organic compound with high molecular weight is a key component of plastic, which is considered as a material containing this element. Long carbon chain polymers are another definition for it.

Two distinct forms of plastic are:

1. Thermoplastic:

Polymers that can be heated and bent easily. Linear polymers and a combination of linear and cross-linked polymers are examples of thermoplastics. PVC, nylon, polythene, etc., as examples.

2. Thermosetting:

Plastics that cannot be heated back to a soft state after molding. The group of thermosetting plastics includes polymers with high cross-link densities. melamine, bakelite, etc. As an illustration, floor tiles are made of melamine, whereas electrical switches are made of bakelite.

Plastics are a diverse group of semi-synthetic or synthetic materials with polymers as their primary component. Plastic may be molded, extruded, or pressed into solid objects of various shapes throughout manufacture thanks to its plasticity. It enables the material to adapt appropriately and is beneficial for a variety of applications.

This versatility, together with a range of advantageous qualities including being lightweight, strong, and flexible, as well as affordable production techniques, have helped to widen their appeal in today’s culture. Petrochemicals derived from fossil fuels, including natural gas or petroleum, are the primary source of most modern polymers. The most modern methods for making plastic, however, utilize substitutes created from renewable resources like derivatives of corn or cotton.

 

Harms of Plastic

  Plastic is a material that does not biodegrade. It does not dispose of in the ground or the water. It pollutes the air, land, and water for centuries after it enters the ecosystem.

Plastic can release dangerous chemicals into the soil and can take up to 1000 years to decompose. People can absorb the chemical components of plastic, which have detrimental effects on their health.

Anybody’s tissue can absorb the dangerous chemicals used to make plastic, which eventually enters the human food chain. Massive amounts of plastic being disposed of, such as drinking bottles and plastic bags, clogs waterways and contributes to natural disasters. In our cities, it clogs the street drains.

Here are some of the harms of plastic:

• Non-Biodegradable: Plastic bags cannot decompose biologically. The major difficulty is therefore, getting rid of the plastics.

• The decline of the Environment: Due to their negative impact, they are damaging the environment. Today, land pollution is primarily caused by plastic bags. A significant contributor to water contamination is the use of plastic bags. Thus, we can draw the conclusion that these are harming our ecosystem in every manner possible.

• Harmful to marine life and animals: Unaware, ingesting plastic particles alongside their food are animals and aquatic life. According to research, discarded plastic bags are a major cause of untimely animal deaths.

• Human illness’s root causes: Toxic substances are released during the manufacture of plastic bags. The main reason for serious disease is due to these. The contaminated environment is one of the primary factors contributing to the numerous diseases that are currently sweeping through society.

• Obstructed sewage: The biggest cause of blocked drains and sewers, particularly during rainy seasons, is waste plastic bags. This might cause a situation akin to a flood and interfere with people’s daily lives.

 

Laws on Plastic Ban

  Rules for the Management of Plastic Waste (Amendment), 2021

According to the revised regulations, single-use plastics, including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, will no longer be produced, imported, stored, distributed, sold, or used as of July 1, 2022. Earbuds with plastic sticks, balloons with plastic sticks, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice cream sticks, and polystyrene for decorations are a few examples of these products.

Plates, cups, glasses, cutlery including forks, spoons, and knives, straws, trays, packaging films wrapped around candy boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 microns, stirrers are also banned.

At the federal, state, and local levels, the government has issued orders prohibiting the supply of raw materials to businesses that deal in prohibited goods. In order to enable reuse, plastic carry bags must also have a thickness increase from 75 microns to 120 microns starting on December 31, 2022. Polythene bags smaller than 75 microns were previously prohibited by MoEFCC in September 2021; the previous restriction was 50 microns. Pan masala, gutkha, and cigarette packets made of plastic are currently prohibited from being packaged, stored, or sold.

Rules for the Management of Plastic Waste (Amendment), 2022

The following clauses are included in the 2022 rules:

Plastics classification:

Category 1 includes rigid plastic packages.

Category 2 will comprise carry bags, plastic sachets, and pouches as well as flexible plastic packaging that is either single layer or multilayer (more than one layer with different types of plastic).

Multi-layered plastic packaging that includes at least one layer of plastic and at least one layer of another material falls into category 3.

Category 4 includes carry bags made of biodegradable polymers as well as plastic sheets or the like that are used for packing.

 

Implementation of these laws

  In order to limit the usage of new plastic material for packaging, the most recent guidelines now require the reuse of rigid plastic packaging material. Further reducing plastic use and supporting the recycling of plastic packaging waste will be the enforceable requirement of a minimum level of recycling of plastic packaging waste gathered under EPR. The 2022 rules introduce a notable first by allowing the sale and acquisition of excess extended producer responsibility certificates. This will provide a commercial system for the disposal of plastic garbage. By March 31, 2022, the federal government has also suggested that a centralized online portal be established by the Central Pollution Control Board for the registration and submission of yearly returns by producers, importers, brand-owners, and processors of plastic trash. With regard to orders and instructions linked to the deployment of EPR for plastic packaging, it would serve as the single-point data repository. If producers, importers, and brand owners fail to meet their EPR targets, environmental compensation will be assessed based on the polluter pays concept. The goal of this is to safeguard the environment, enhance its quality, and stop, manage, and lessen environmental degradation. Regardless of the motivation, the “polluter pays” principle holds those responsible for environmental pollution accountable for repairing any harm done and restoring the environment to its pre-pollution condition. For the proper implementation of EPR, the MoEFCC will receive recommendations from a committee established by the CPCB and chaired by the CPCB chairman, including changes to the EPR guidelines. The CPCB has been responsible for receiving an annual report from Pollution Control Committees and the SPCBs regarding the EPR portal’s use by manufacturers, importers, brand-owners, and processors of plastic waste.

 

Role of government

  The government needs to take action to regulate single-use plastic products. To enforce the ban, the federal and state governments must take some severe steps. The people should be made aware of the harmful impacts of plastic products by the local authorities and government.

 

Role of citizens

  Although plastic bag use has been outlawed in numerous jurisdictions by the government. However, individuals continue to use these bags. Store owners stop offering plastic bags for a few days after the ban.

It is now necessary for each of us to do our part to ensure the success of this prohibition. Therefore, it is up to us informed members of society to cease using plastic bags. We may assist the government in its campaign in this way.

People can contribute in the following ways, for example:

• Keep track: We must constantly remind ourselves of the negative consequences that plastic bags have on our environment and keep an eye on their use if we are to succeed in this objective. We will eventually get used to not using these bags.

• Look for substitutes: Reusable jute or cotton bags are only two of the numerous environmentally friendly products of plastic bags.
  Reuse: Before tossing away the plastic bags we currently have at home, we must use them as many times as possible.

• Raise Awareness: While the government is educating the public about the negative impacts of plastic bags, we can also educate others by talking about it.

 

The 3 R’s

  Our healthy environment is deteriorating day by day as a result of the excessive and careless exploitation of numerous natural resources. By putting the three R’s into practice—Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse—we can protect the environment. The following explains this.

1. Reduce

By reducing the actions that contribute to their wastage, we utilise fewer natural resources overall. We can cut down on energy waste by, for instance, turning off superfluous fans and lights. We are using less coal because we use less electricity. By fixing the leaking taps, we can lessen the amount of water that is wasted.

2. Recycling

Recycling is gathering used and discarded paper, plastic, glass, and metal goods and sending them to the appropriate industries for use in creating new paper, plastic, glass, or metal products.

Prior to recycling items, we must correctly segregate (separate) our home wastes to prevent recyclable goods from being deposited with other household waste that must be thrown away.

3. Reuse

Reusing implies that we are using the same items repeatedly, if at all possible. For instance, we can store ingredients like salt, spices, sugar, tea leaves, lentils, etc. in the plastic jars that we purchase various foods like jams, pickles, etc. Paper envelopes can also be used again after being turned inside out. As opposed to recycling, which uses energy, reuse uses no energy at all. This makes reuse a better procedure than recycling. However, there are very few items that can be reused.

 

What should be done for the effective implementation of the ban?

  The health of the entire ecosystem is actually seriously harmed by our overreliance on single-use plastic. The life cycle is impacted, and the entire atmosphere is devasted. The people must cease using plastic and act like law-abiding citizens, and they must demonstrate a strong intention to do so. Any carelessness or violation should be dealt with severely and strictly by the administrative organisations. The goal won’t be achieved by just issuing a fine. Furthermore, those who follow the law in letter and spirit may receive incentives. In order to recognise the contribution of key individuals, public acknowledgement through social media and mainstream media can prove to be quite helpful. The use of jute items, clay jars or bottles, bamboo stick baskets, and green bags made of banana leaves should all be encouraged.

Some other effective ways are:

Take strict action against violators

For implementation to be successful, officials must rigorously deal with offenders and vigorously start an awareness campaign to encourage consumers to switch to alternative eco-friendly products.

Form special teams to enforce the ban

For proper monitoring, specialized crews and operating rooms should be established. Willful violators should face harsh penalties. They should be penalized appropriately and imprisoned.

Seek cooperation from vendors

Local vendors should maintain cloth bags, paper bags, or jute bags as substitutes to help the government reduce plastic pollution. Notably, most prohibited items can be replaced with paper versions of the same things.

Biodegradable items must be promoted

Replace all plastic household products with bamboo and wooden ones. Another choice is silicone, which can withstand heat and is flexible. Instead of using plastic bags, switch to cloth ones that are simple to use, reusable, and washable.

Conclusion

Even though plastic is posing a serious threat to all of us, this issue is frequently disregarded and underappreciated. This is due to the fact that people frequently utilize small, portable bags without considering their long-term harms. In addition, individuals continue to use bags because they are convenient. However, in order to protect our ecology and the globe, everyone must immediately stop using single – use plastic.

Essay on Importance of English

English Essay Writing Topic  – Importance of English

• Reasons to Learn English

• Why and where do we need English?

• Historical background of English

• Benefits of Learning English

• Conclusion

Language is a tool for intercultural dialogue and communication. Language is a powerful tool for expressing one’s emotions. Because they are used for communication, all languages have their own significance.

Literature can be found in every language. Many poets and prose writers use language to convey their emotions. Through their poetry and prose, they convey the state of the society.

The ancient Germanic people known as the Angles immigrated to Great Britain, which is now known as England.  The language of the country inspires other countries through its literature and culture and has spread throughout the world. It includes more than 35 dialects and is recognized as a primary language in more than 67 nations. According to a 2005 estimate, there are more than 2 billion speakers of this language worldwide.

English is the main language at many schools all around the world. We can term English as a Universal language. People from all across the world can communicate with ease thanks to this universal language. English proficiency is currently required in many different areas. But the actual advantage of using language is that it makes life’s many challenges easier to overcome. Whether it is to travel around the globe or to look for a new job. In other words, it facilitates growth in both the professional and personal spheres of life.

Although one’s body language is a very powerful medium of expression, we express our thoughts, verbally or textually through language, which is our main way of communication. We also infer that in today’s time of social media and powerful social networking, having a firm grip over the mode of communication is a must have. The ability to express one’s sentiments, attitudes, or beliefs is language’s secondary purpose. One language that satisfies both of the aforementioned criteria is English, which is spoken all over the world. The term “first international language” is frequently used to describe English. Almost every field that exists now has it incorporated. In a range of settings, from entertainment to business, it serves as the common language for communication.

As we realize the popularity that English has earned as an effective medium of communication, we also observe that many nations encourage and train children to learn English as a second language. Many engineering and science curricula are written in English, even in countries where it is not the official language. Your commercial endeavors will undoubtedly benefit from your proficiency in English. Many large firms will only hire qualified workers after confirming that they have good English language skills. English language classes will be helpful for you if you really want to work for a multinational corporation since they will teach you the communication skills you need to network with other professionals in your field or further your career.

The majority of information on the internet, around eighty percent of it, is only available in English. It is an understandable and straightforward language. It serves as the common language for all print media, including newspapers and journals. English is the language used in the key works that are meant to be read by a large portion of the population.

We cannot undermine the importance of vernacular languages and the essence of one’s mother language. However, when we think of globalozation and consider the world as one, a global language that English unifies us. Anyone who speaks English wherever in the globe has access to a vast array of professional options. Similar to how it has become a necessary requirement for many different industries and professions including computing, medicine, and more.

We must communicate in a common language if we are to make the best use of the data and knowledge at our fingertips in a world that is changing quickly. Because of this, the English language has evolved into a source of information on a variety of topics, from the cultural to the political.

English has evolved into a way of life in modern society. English is followed by Chinese and Spanish as the language that is bespoken the most. This language has a very large and varied vocabulary, and on average, one new word is added to the English dictionary almost every two hours. It is a dynamic language that is always changing. Social media, where most of the interaction takes place in English, is largely to blame for all of this development.

   

Reasons to Learn English

We now move on to the reasons why it is necessary to study the English language since its significance is evident. 

Firstly, it is an international language. One in every five individuals is able to speak or understand it because it is so widespread.

Furthermore, learning the English language can make it simpler to find employment. It automatically boosts the likelihood of finding a decent job in a reputable company because it has become the language of many disciplines.

It also facilitates networking with new people. Learning English aids in removing obstacles due to the fact that it is the official language of 53 nations. The language of the Internet is the most significant among these.

Learning this language will make traveling easier, which is a crucial factor. Being a widely spoken language worldwide, it will make communicating with people simple. In the same vein, it is crucial in the corporate sector.

Whether you are an employer or an employee, everyone benefits from it. Students who want to pursue higher education overseas should definitely take this course. Therefore, it can present pupils with an excellent chance.

 

Why and where do we need English?

Use of English on the Internet – Due to the Internet’s phenomenal growth and the astronomical increase in information technology, English is the language of choice for Internet users. As more and more people are exposed to it and English has also taken on the status of the internet’s official language, the internet has also played a significant role in promoting and disseminating the English language throughout the globe.

Use of English in Education – English is now frequently used to comprehend, learn, and explain ideas from a variety of academic disciplines. English is the primary language used in the writing of instructional tools, resources, and texts. English as a foreign language is necessary for the international educational systems at institutions all over the world.

Use of English for Travel – As we are all aware, English is the official language of 53 nations, and over 400 million people around the world speak it. Therefore, when someone travels abroad.

Use of English for Communication – The ability to communicate effectively is the most crucial function of a language. English has for long been the world’s most extensively used and respected language. In other words, English turns to become a useful tool for connecting with individuals around the globe. Whether for business, pleasure, relocating, or any other reason, they will find it helpful to communicate in English.

 

Historical background of English

English was originally the language of England, but because of the British Empire in many nations, English has now replaced many other languages as the primary or second language in countries that were once British colonies, including Canada, the United States, Sri Lanka, India, Australia, and Sri Lanka. Currently, English is widely spoken in both the corporate and cultural realms that are dominated by nations that were directly impacted by British imperialism. English is used as a second language in 27 countries, while it is the official language in 67 other nations.

 

Benefits of Learning English

Given that English is the language of science and technology, someone who speaks it well can find employment anywhere in the world. The internet, a potent weapon of the modern age, is inaccessible to those who do not speak English.

Websites in English cannot be used by those who lack proficiency in the language. Learning English also exposes us to English culture, which enriches our own.

Hindi is regarded as the national language of India by all, but learning other languages, especially English, is essential if you want to succeed in life. Finding diverse employment opportunities abroad and forming friendships and contacts with English-speaking natives are both simple processes. We must communicate with our fellow inhabitants of the world, and only English makes this possible. Anyone with decent English skills can obtain employment at multinational corporations throughout the world or join the global workforce.

The ability to comprehend the cultures of other countries is the English language’s greatest asset. It provides more enjoyment and entertainment. English-language dramas, songs, and movies can be enjoyed by those who are proficient in the language. English has a very extensive vocabulary. One thing can be said and expressed in a variety of ways and with a variety of words.

 

Conclusion

Even while it is true that one should never lose touch with their mother tongue, learning English is still a good idea because it is useful everywhere. There are others in addition to the importance stated above. English gained popularity because, as compared to other languages, more people worldwide are familiar with it. English was created by the British, but after they departed, it was entirely our decision. English is now ubiquitous; whether it is a signboard or the name of a station, it is always bilingual. When they receive information in English as well, travellers from other nations experience convenience in addition to those from India. India is a developing country, and learning a new language can totally transform your life by giving you more alternatives. If you just have access to jobs in your immediate area and speak your original tongue, learning English will open up a world of opportunities for you. It is therefore best to learn it. Some of us are opposed to learning a foreign tongue and want to boycott it, but in my view, those who resist change are always left behind. While promoting your original tongue is a good idea, one should also be aware of market trends. Keep learning and developing because there are many advantages to this language. It will be very helpful to you.

Essay on Cruelty to Animals in English

English Essay Writing Topic – Cruelty to Animals 

  The world we live in is wonderfully beautiful. In this place, all living creatures are interdependent and coexist. It is believed that humans are the most intelligent creatures on Earth. But occasionally, especially when it comes to animals, we become incredibly hypersensitive to the nonverbal animals. We hurt them to meet our needs.

• What is cruelty to animals?

• Types of cruelties to animals

• Where is it prevalent?

• Legal measures to prevent cruelty to animals

• Wildlife Laws

• Global scenario

• Global Laws

• Indian Laws

• Organizations working for Animal Rights

• How can we reduce cruelty to animals?

• Conclusion

What is cruelty to animals?

Animal cruelty is the deliberate mistreatment of animals with violence and malice. In many nations, it is unlawful and incredibly inhumane to treat animals inhumanely. Animals are also living creatures that ought to have humane living conditions and be shielded from brutal treatment. Regardless of whether they are domesticated or not, animals cannot be mistreated.

Animal cruelty is now a major concern on a global scale for animal welfare. Due to several human needs, animals endure cruel treatment. This is a major problem that needs to be dealt with and resolved. Numerous people have died as a result of cruelty to animals, and it is steadily getting worse as the world’s population grows.

In many nations and organizations, animal abuse is committed under the guise of research and experimental investigations. Additionally, it has been shown that animals confined in zoos and sanctuaries are not receiving the required care. These are some examples of the brutal treatment that animals endure.

Types of cruelties to animals

It’s possible that humans are also cruel to animals when they use animals for their amusement. It’s true that some animals enjoy performing; for example, dogs enjoy agility training, and horses enjoy running in a herd, but it becomes a whole different situation when we force them to perform as per our requirements.

There should never be a situation where wild animals are performing for the general population. They wouldn’t choose to do this, yet many of them were trained to do so. A wild animal’s life on the road is terrible even when there is no visible abuse. Cruel treatment includes keeping animals in cages, transporting them over great distances, forcing them into an arena where people are screaming and shouting, keeping them alone frequently without the company of their kind, and preventing them from acting in ways that are consistent with their natural behaviors.

Additionally, there is cruelty in sports, such as whipping a horse to make it run faster or training greyhounds by exposing them to live prey. When animals get old or lose their shape, they may be left behind or put to death. Or they might keep getting sold in a cycle of neglect.

Some other types are as follows:

• Experiments: Another kind of animal cruelty is performing experiments on them. 60,000 chemicals are used in cosmetics, and many of them are tested on animals. Chemicals that are corrosive to the eyes are administered in order to assess corneal inflammation. Animals are placed on hot plates while frozen in ice to assess tissue damage. More than 100 million animals, including dogs, rodents, rats, cats, monkeys, rabbits, chickens, and others, are used in scientific testing for drugs, minerals, food, and cosmetics.

• Genetic Engineering: Animal productivity is increased, and their development is accelerated, by genetic engineering. Biotechnology has the ability to modify animals. Animal welfare has been adversely impacted by the sharp rise in this over the past few years.

• Battles: Asia has started to see play battles, which amuses a lot of people. In various parts of India today, reports of dog fighting in residential, urban, and rural settings with dogs like Pitbulls and Bully engaged in combat have been made, even chicken fights are organized in trade fair in many villages.

• Bullfighting: It is considered by supporters of animal rights to be a cruel blood sport with little place in the contemporary world of peace. Bulls go through a harsh, torturous, and stressful death as a result of this tragedy.

• Military animals: Humans utilize military animals including horses, dogs, and whales in conflict. In particular, they are an extension of working animals. Only recently has the use of animals in battle been questioned. Animal abuse charges may now be leveled against practices like using explosives on animals to use them in combat or for military research.

Where is it prevalent?

Dogs, cats, horses, and farm animals are the species that are identified as being the subjects of animal cruelty the most. Thousands of farm animals suffer on factory farms, but there isn’t much that can be done legally to lessen their suffering because they sometimes fall outside of the purview of cruelty laws or enjoy much fewer safeguards than pets.

Animal abuse is prevalent in both urban and rural regions, according to media sources, and cruelty and neglect know no social or economic bounds.

Animal abuse with the intent to harm is closely related to other crimes, especially violence against people. Animals are often the victims of hoarding behavior. Animals may suffer grave neglect if hoarding disorder sufferers house more than they can reasonably care for. Serious animal neglect such as hoarding is frequently a sign that a person needs support for their mental or social well-being. According to surveys, men under 30 are more likely to purposefully harm animals, while women above 60 to hoard animals.

Legal measures to prevent cruelty to animals

The Indian Constitution makes the protection and well-being of animals a fundamental obligation. The rules not only forbid endangering animals, but they also punish offenders. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act has been put into effect by the government. It is an enactment to stop the needless suffering or agony of animals and, for that reason, to change the legislation prohibiting animal cruelty that applies to the entire country, with the exception of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, the government has created the Wildlife Protection Act, an all-encompassing law designed to safeguard endangered wild animals, plants, and birds as well as create ecologically significant protected areas. Additionally, the government has undertaken a number of other programs to protect and conserve animals.

Animal cruelty has long occurred in our society, but it must now be eradicated. To ensure that the laws that already exist are enforced, we must work to strengthen them and teach law enforcement to prosecutors. To alter the public’s viewpoint and sensibilities on animal cruelty, we must educate them. We must take up the role of animal activists. Animal maltreatment must be reported by the public because animals are unable to speak for themselves. Law enforcement, prosecutors, and our courts must work together to bring these offenders to justice and severely punish them.

Wildlife Laws

Legislation has been created specifically to protect rare and endangered species. For instance, Article 15A(G) of the Constitution sought to safeguard and enhance the environment. A similar law is the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. But the oddity is that none of these legislations are being implemented to their full potential. The Wildlife Protection Act, for instance, was updated in 1991, yet it was unable to halt India’s trade in exotic birds. Clearly, laws cannot protect species from extinction on their own. It won’t happen unless we come to value and respect both animal and human life kinds.

Global scenario

A circus animal spends 96% of its life in a cage. Every day, 150 million land animals are murdered for food. Approximately 11,417 sharks are killed by unsustainable finning every hour. Every year, 10 million wild animals are captured and slaughtered just for their fur. Every year, 50 million additional species, including foxes, seals, mink, and raccoon dogs, are murdered for their pelts as well as 1 billion rabbits that have been grown on fur farms or captured in the wild. In laboratories, 15 million warm-blooded animals are tormented every day. Fishing trolleys have wounded 100 million sharks, fish, and aquatic wildlife. Every year, 65 billion animals are murdered for food. Every year, there are nine living humans for every animal.

Global Laws

• United Kingdom: Animal carelessness and abuse both carry harsher penalties under UK law governing animal welfare. Pet ownership is prohibited for life, there is a 51-week maximum prison sentence, and there are fines up to £20,000.

• Germany: The German Constitution states that “in the sake of future generations, the state has responsibility for conserving the natural foundations of life and creatures.” Thus, Germany became the first nation in the European Union to provide constitutional protection for animals.

• Hong Kong: The wellbeing of companion animals, farmed animals, and experimental animals is regulated under Hong Kong’s animal welfare legislation. Abuse, neglect, improper transportation, and fighting are all examples of cruel treatment. The punishment for breaking the legislation is a 200,000 Hong Kong dollar fine and three years in prison.

• Austria: In the entire world, Austria is regarded as one of the best nations for animals. According to the Austrian Animal Welfare Act of 2004, people should place an equal importance on protecting and promoting the welfare of animals. One of the strictest anti-cruelty laws in Europe forbids dog owners from docking their pets’ tails or ears, compels farmers to free their poultry from cages, and ensures that kittens and puppies are no longer left to wilt in pet store windows. Those who violate the law face penalties of $2,420, and in the most severe situations, they face fines of up to $18,160 and the confiscation of their animals.

Indian Laws

The Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 was passed by the Indian parliament in 1960 with the intention of preventing needless animal suffering and modifying the laws for the prevention of animal cruelty. In May 2013, the Environment and Forests Ministry of India took a bold step by outlawing the capture and use of dolphins for amusement throughout the whole nation.

The ban on the importation of cosmetics tested on animals went into force in India on November 13 of that year, making India the first country in South Asia to do so. Following the widespread abolition of animal cosmetic research, this was yet another noteworthy accomplishment that was widely celebrated.

Real and widespread animal abuse exists. The root of this aggression is speciesism. These atrocities frequently take place when individuals perceive animals to be less precious than humans. This is valid for all species and applies to every nook and cranny of the globe. It can be avoided and is unnecessary as well.

Organizations working for Animal Rights

• PETA: Based in Norfolk, Virginia, PETA is the biggest animal advocacy group in the world, with over 6.5 million supporters and members.  The pain that animals endure in laboratories, the food business, the apparel sector, and the entertainment industry are the main areas on which PETA concentrates. They also spend time discussing other topics, such as the brutal killing and handling of rats, birds, and domesticated animals. Through cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, and celebrity involvement, PETA aims to educate the public.

• Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Kenya: The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was established in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick DBE in honour of her late husband, David Leslie William Sheldrick, a renowned naturalist and the first Warden of Tsavo East National Park. The Sheldrick Species Trust works to preserve, protect, and conserve wildlife and their natural habitats. Additionally, they manage some of the most effective rescue and rehabilitation programmes for orphan elephants worldwide. The organization’s ‘Orphan Project’ is its core, where orphaned young rhinos, elephants and other wild animals like warthogs are saved and cared for until they can survive on their own in the wild. They work on a variety of initiatives, one of which is the anti-poaching project, in which the groups conduct anti-poaching operations to stop the trade in rhino horn and ivory as well as to safeguard Kenya’s wild areas and other imperilled wildlife. One of the many other noteworthy projects is the ‘Water for Wildlife’ project, where they try to offer help to both long-term and short-term water sources to lessen the suffering.

• Humane Society International: Humane Society United States has a division called Humane Society International. It is a driving force for the welfare of animals and was created in 1954. Humane society international is a non-profit philanthropic organisation with more than 10 million members. They strive globally to improve the link between people and animals. In addition to improving farm animal care, they rescue and defend cats and dogs. Not only that, but they also respond to natural calamities and save animals in those circumstances. They address animal problems internationally. HSI collaborates with a variety of stakeholders to identify long-term, ethical solutions to animal problems.

• PFA: Maneka Gandhi, an environmentalist and animal rights activist, founded PFA, which collaborates with groups throughout the globe to develop a compelling case for animal care. It has a connectivity of 26 clinics, 165 units, 2.5 lakh people and 60 mobile units. They manage clinics, shelters, and rescue facilities for animals in need of protection and care. They hold the view that compassion without action is evil, which appeals to everyone who has compassion for animals.

How can we reduce cruelty to animals?

• If you notice someone mistreating a dog or cat, whether they are physically mistreating it or neglecting it in some other way, report it to your local animal control. Animal control officers may need to make an educational visit due to neglect. The animal may need to be removed from the house due to abuse. Your call will ensure that the animal gets a better life in any scenario.

• Recognize the connection between domestic violence and animal cruelty. Animal abuse is directly related to other forms of domestic violence, such as child abuse and spousal abuse. Your call could lead to extra assistance for the family if you sense animal abuse is taking place in the residence.

• Children should learn to respect animals. The grownups in children’s life teach them how to handle animals. Children in their life will act nice and respectfully toward animals if you provide a good example for them to follow. There is a reason to encourage kindness: kids who treat animals poorly typically become harsh to people as adults. Put an early stop to animal cruelty, teach compassion to children.

• Help animals by volunteering. Being an adopter is one of the best things you can do to help animals. Pets in need of a temporary home because they have been mistreated, hurt, or ill are placed with foster families. Before being adopted into a lifelong home, a pet could benefit greatly from your temporary and tender care.

Conclusion

Animal cruelty is increasingly an issue on a national scale. A few laws have already been enacted by the government, and some more are required. Social awareness is additionally necessary. The proper treatment of animals should be taught in schools. Along with teaching their children, parents should also treat their pets well. The Earth is a very lovely place and we need a healthy ecosystem. In this ecosystem, all living things are interdependent and coexist. It is believed that humans are the most intelligent creatures on Earth. However, sometimes we lose all empathy for those beings, particularly animals, who are unable to communicate. We hurt them solely to satisfy our demands. Since there are no instances of animal abuse that result in a complete lack of consequences, it is clear from the analysis of the impact animal cruelty has on society that there are many unfavorable effects of such crimes. Animals that are capable of love and loyalty are suffering and dying, regardless of the impacts on people, which can vary. An effective and joyful coexistence cannot result from treating animals solely as objects; however, caring for the benefits of both parties.