Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited the Vantara, a state-of-the-art facility designed and run by Anant Ambani which is dedicated to rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating injured, abused, and threatened animals from all over the world. With cutting-edge technology and advanced veterinary care provided by specialized departments, this centre aims to set global benchmarks for animal welfare and conservation efforts. PM Modi also had heartwarming interactions with the centre's resident animals, further showcasing the centre's commitment to selfless service and preservation of various species.
The Indian Ministry of Transport has made it mandatory for all public transport vehicles to carry the slogan "Be kind to Animals" to promote the safety of animals on roads. The transport minister has sent a notice to all state transport authorities and animal welfare boards, citing the fundamental duty of Indian citizens to protect and improve the natural environment and the existing legislations for animal welfare. Animal rights activists have praised the initiative, while transporters have welcomed it but also raised concerns about the need for infrastructure development to prevent accidents involving animals on roads.
Musician Anoushka Shankar and animal rights organization PETA India have teamed up to donate a mechanical elephant to the Thrissur Temple in Kerala. The donation event was recently held and has garnered attention for its significance in promoting animal welfare. This unique contribution aims to raise awareness about the ethical treatment of animals and their place in religious traditions.
The city of Thunder Bay has announced that it is seeking feedback from key stakeholders including animal rescue and shelter groups, in order to improve its animal services. This comes after changes were made in 2022 to improve services related to domestic animals. The city is also planning an external review of its animal welfare services in response to concerns raised by City Manager John Collin.
The city of Thunder Bay is reaching out to local animal welfare advocates for feedback on its animal services. This comes after changes were made in 2022 to improve services related to domestic animals. The city's Municipal Enforcement Services (MES) is seeking to clarify its role in handling domestic animals, which includes managing dangerous dogs and investigating dog bites. Additionally, the city plans to conduct an independent third-party review of its animal welfare services in the coming months.
People for Cattle in India (PFCI), a Chennai-based animal welfare NGO, has called for immediate action against the custodians and mahouts of a temple elephant housed in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu. The NGO has requested authorities to take action following disturbing video footage that shows the elephant being controlled through intimidation and threats, using banned iron ankushes. PFCI has highlighted the elephant's history of abuse and stressed the urgent need for her rescue and rehabilitation. The organisation has also drawn attention to ongoing welfare failures in the elephant's care and insists on accountability for those responsible. Captive elephants under extreme stress can become unpredictable and pose a threat to both the elephant and the community, making this a critical issue for humane management.
Learn about the history and significance of International Dog Day, an annual occasion founded to honor the special bond between humans and dogs while raising awareness about responsible pet ownership and animal welfare issues. Discover how this day came to be and the impact it has had over the years. Find out meaningful ways to celebrate, including adopting or fostering dogs, volunteering at animal shelters, and donating to animal welfare organizations.
Two accused have been arrested by forest department officials for illegally possessing, displaying, and trading protected animals at the Dadar Marine Aqua Zoo. Despite claims, the zoo does not have recognition from the Central Zoo Authority and had been operating as a commercial facility. An FIR has also been registered against the zoo under sections of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972). The zoo has since closed for visitors and the owners have begun demolishing the structures. In other news, TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu has announced that the party will continue to be a part of the NDA alliance after their victory in Andhra Pradesh.
With World Environment Day approaching, World Animal Protection is calling for responsible treatment of all animals, whether in the wild or on commercial wildlife farms. Their recent research has uncovered the cruel conditions in which an estimated 5.5 billion wild animals are being kept, with lack of transparency and inadequate monitoring in the multi-billion-dollar industry. As more and more elephants, bears, and big cats are being bred in captivity for activities like tourism and traditional medicine, the impact on conservation and animal welfare is concerning. The organization urges for stricter enforcement of wildlife trade laws and retirement of elephants used for riding in Amer Fort and Haathi Gaon to wildlife sanctuaries. Additionally, with the focus of World Environment Day 2024 on land restoration and drought resilience, the harmful effects of factory farming on the environment and animal welfare are also emphasized.
In her upcoming memoir, South Dakota governor Kristi Noem reveals the controversial decision she made to shoot her family's dog after it exhibited aggressive behavior. The shooting, which occurred during a hunting trip, has drawn criticism from animal rights groups and Democrats, who are calling the action unnecessary and inhumane. Noem includes the story in her book to showcase her willingness to make tough choices in politics, even if they are difficult and controversial. However, animal welfare organizations have condemned her actions, stating that there was no justification for killing a dog for typical puppy behavior.