Campaigning for compassion on the farm

THE PHILOSOPHY that pets and other animals deserve compassion is gaining momentum the world over and where it does not find a place, activists are entering the scene with vigorous campaigns.

Do farm animals destined for the dinner table deserve such kindness? They do, say activists emphatically and there are few who will not agree.

But the attitude prevailing among butchers and other slaughter house workers is just the opposite.

Their approach to animals is engaging the attention of an international NGO, `Compassion in World Farming' (CIWF) which has now taken up the cause in the country.

The trend is gradually changing in other countries particularly in some of those situated in Europe.

Moreover many animal welfare groups have also shown keen interest to lend a helping hand to reduce cruelty to farm animals, says Ms.Janice Cox, consultant for the NGO, which will soon launch farm animal projects in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai.

Efforts to reduce cruelty to farm animals, introducing new and innovative farming techniques and educating people on improving better farming methods without giving up a traditional system are the main objectives of our organisation, she says.

Started in late 1960s by a dairy farmer in London, the organisation has conducted studies on various traditional methods adopted by farms in Europe.

Some of the countries have given up a few traditional methods under which the animals are treated badly.

But the old practice still continued in few other areas, she says.

She visited poultry, rabbit and dairy farms besides egg producing units near Mumbai.

The battery cage system in poultry farms is one of the major problems in the country, she observes.

This system puts the egg laying birds in a small enclosure wherein they have to stay stuffed-in for hours together.

`The bird is treated like an egg-laying machine and it is a horrible sight', she explains.

Normally these birds need ample space to shuffle their wings once in a while.

This system has been banned in various parts of the European Union.

But a few countries still follow the system and following the ban, those nations accepted that this system be given up for its cruelty, in a phased manner.

After a visit to various types of farms in the country a study report will be submitted to the international NGO.

Depending upon the need, new projects on farming will be implemented in the country, says Ms.Cox.

During her stay in Tamil Nadu, she plans to visit Gandhigram Rural University near Dindigul and poultry farms in Namakkal district.

A study report on various aspects of farming methods in Tamil Nadu will be submitted to the organisation.

(By P. Oppili)

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