Farmed Animals and the Need for Freedom: A Republic Day Reflection


As India celebrates Republic Day, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution that laid the foundation for justice, liberty, and equality, it is crucial to reflect on the broader implications of these values. The principles enshrined in our Constitution are not limited to human beings alone; they extend to all sentient beings who share this planet with us. Farmed animals, often forgotten in discussions about rights and freedoms, deserve to be included in this vision of justice.

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution highlights the concepts of liberty, equality, and fraternity, that resonate deeply with the idea of ethical coexistence with all beings. Article 48A directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife. Similarly, Article 51A(g) establishes a fundamental duty for citizens to have compassion for living creatures. These provisions are a call to action to extend freedom and dignity to farmed animals who are subjected to lives of confinement and suffering.

Farmed animals, such as cows, chickens, pigs, and goats, are subjected to many cruelties. They are confined in cramped spaces, denied the ability to express natural behaviors, and subjected to practices that prioritize profit over their well-being. For instance, hens in battery cages cannot stretch their wings, and calves born to dairy cows are often separated from their mothers shortly after birth, causing distress to both. These conditions are not just cruel but also contradict the values of compassion and justice that our Constitution seeks to uphold.

On Republic Day, a celebration of freedom and democracy, it is pertinent to question why the concept of liberty is often restricted to humans. Animals, too, are sentient beings capable of experiencing joy, pain, and fear. Scientific evidence shows that they form bonds, grieve losses, and seek comfort, much like humans. Recognizing their sentience necessitates acknowledging their right to live free from unnecessary suffering and exploitation.

India has laws such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. However, the implementation of these laws often falls short, particularly in the context of farmed animals. Strengthening these laws and ensuring their enforcement is essential to align our practices with the constitutional mandate for compassion.

Gandhiji famously said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” On this Republic Day, let us expand the scope of our moral progress to include farmed animals. By adopting plant-based diets, and advocating for stronger animal protection laws, we can take meaningful steps toward granting freedom to farmed animals.

The celebration of Republic Day is a celebration of justice, equality, and liberty. Let us extend these ideals beyond ourselves, ensuring that the freedom we cherish is not limited to humans but encompasses all living beings who share this land with us. Only then can we truly honor the spirit of our Constitution.

LIVE KINDLY

With rich emotional lives and unbreakable family bonds, farmed animals deserve to be protected. You can build a kinder world by replacing animal food products with plant-based ones.


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