Animal Welfare Fortnight 2012 (14th Jan to 31st Jan)

Animal Welfare Fortnight is celebrated across India every year in the last two weeks of January to create awareness among the public about the humane treatment of animals and prevention of unnecessary suffering by them. The welfare of animals is enshrined in The Indian Constitution "It shall be the fundamental duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the Natural Environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for all living creatures."

Animal Welfare groups all across the country organize various events during this period. In Defense of Animals (IDA), India will also help to generate more empathy and action for animals through informative and useful programs.

From 14th to 31st Jan, IDA India, will celebrate the Animal Welfare Fortnight with a series of events, to create awareness and involve the public in working for animal welfare.

Brief Outline of Events:

Saturday, 14th Jan: This day will also be celebrated as the harvest festival, Maker Sankranti during which kite flying causes grievous harm to birds and humans alike. This happy day turns sad because so many innocent birds are injured and killed by kite strings. IDA India would like to send out an appeal to animal lovers to refrain from this sport for the sake of innocent birds and also persuade their friends and relatives not to fly them either. Also, to rescue any injured bird they find. Those who wish to commit themselves to the protection of birds and their furry friends can visit the IDA India face book page to take a pledge at the start of the AWF.

Monday, 16th Jan: On this day IDA India will start its Captive Elephant Campaign in Mumbai. There are a number of elephants who traverse its roads in harsh weather conditions to beg or work for their mahouts. Most of them neither have proper shelter nor a license or health record. No one can say when these gentle giants may become dangerous under the stress and strain of traffic and noise in the city. It also plans to launch an online petition to improve the quality of life of these elephants. Public support will go a long way to end the suffering of these animals and get them their rightful shelter that has been on paper for years.
The online link posted on Facebook profile page, http://www.facebook.com/ida.india &IDA-India Group, http://www.facebook.com/groups/Ida.India/

Sunday, 22nd Jan: This is the day for all those who wish to work hands on with abandoned and injured animals at their centre in Deonar. On this Bathing, Grooming, Walking and giving Medicated Massage (BGWMM) Day, volunteers can express their love for these animals that are just waiting to be pampered by their friends and well-wishers. Volunteers will work under Team Leaders and can opt for the activity they enjoy and get a firsthand experience under supervision of dealing with these neglected animals. You can register to volunteer by sending mail to idaindia.mail@gmail.com

Saturday, 28th Jan: A Workshop on Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Laws will be held for animal lovers. India has comprehensive animal laws that contain details governing the use and treatment of domestic and wild animals but their implementation and awareness leaves a lot to be desired. The workshop will cover practical implications of laws such as keeping pets in societies, other laws regarding working animals such as horses and donkeys, stray animals, performing animals. With experts in attendance and group wise brainstorming, they will learn how to understand and implement the laws that exist to protect our animal friends. This will be followed by a Vegan lunch. Participation is limited to 50 seats. Please email idaindia.mail@gmail.com to register your interest or for any query.

Monday, 30st Jan: This day is also celebrated as Ahimsa (non violence) Day. The best way to show that we care for all other living creatures is to refrain from eating meat on this day. IDA India will observe a Meatless Day on this day of Animal Welfare Fortnight and hope the public will join them in abstaining from meat and animal products for one day.

Tuesday, 31st Jan: IDA India, with the help of other experts in the field, has made a sound plan to help captive elephants in Mumbai and will approach the Chief Conservator of Forests on this last day to present the plan.
The public is invited to participate and volunteer in all our activities and events. They can join us and help in making this world a safer, happier place for all living creatures.