Dr. Pramiti Rastogi wrote on World Animal Welfare Day..
Animal welfare refers to the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies. It is closely linked to animal health, the health and wellbeing of people, and the sustainability of socio-economic and ecological systems.Â
Animal welfare is important because it ensures that animals are treated humanely and with respect. It is necessary for humans because it helps us to maintain a healthy environment, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable development. Animal welfare also has economic benefits as it can lead to increased productivity, reduced costs, and improved product quality.
If animal welfare is not done correctly, it can have serious consequences. Poor animal welfare can lead to animal suffering, disease outbreaks, environmental degradation, and food safety issues. It can also have negative impacts on human health and wellbeing by increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases.
World Animal Welfare Day is celebrated annually on October 4th to raise awareness about improving the welfare standards of animals across the globe. The theme for World Animal Day in 2023 is ‘Big or small, we love them all’ . This day serves as a reminder of our responsibility to shield and nurture the diverse array of species that coexist on our planet. Collectively, we can work towards ending the suffering and mistreatment of animals and transform the course of the world’s treatment of them.
Animal welfare is an important issue that affects us all. It is our responsibility to ensure that animals are treated humanely and with respect. By doing so, we can protect the environment, promote sustainable development, and improve our own health and wellbeing.