INTRODUCTION
With the concerns raised by the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in India regarding the scientific and ethical implications of using stray dogs in experiments, the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA) in India has withdrawn its recommendation order of last year to the use of stray dogs for vaccine trials.
It’s known to all that animals from time immemorial have been targeted and put to use by human beings for subsistence and scientific development. Last year, in September, CCSEA recommended the inclusion of stray dogs in vaccine trials, albeit under strict guidelines. The ethical implications have always been a concern whenever humans interact with animals. Same way this recommendation was scrutinized by animal rights groups, questioning its ethical implications.
There is this saying that well fits stray dogs living in this world created by humans,”
“Humanity’s true moral test, its fundamental consists of its attitude towards those who are at its mercy: animals.” This article delves into the current decisions by the authority holders in the aspect of using animals for needs but with consideration towards animals with sensitivity and significant stride of ethical research practices as well.
AUTHORITY FOR STRAY DOGS – CCSEA
WHAT IS CCSEA EXACTLY –
Animals time and again are the subject matter of humans whenever the thought of development of any kind is talked of. This resulted in the build-up of an integral government body that deals with human interactions with animals. The CCSEA is a statutory committee of central governing that comes under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAH&D) t
WORKING OF CCSEA IN THE PROTECTION OF STRAY DOGS
Ever since humankind has thought of evolving or development it has but at the cost of the environment and animals. Humans have always mistaken the understanding that survival of the fittest in this world is at the opportunity cost of other beings to the fact that the over-enthusiasm of humans for development is not a part of basic survival.
The same issue of humankind is the fundamental working of CCSEA, duty-bound to take all the required measures to ensure that animals are not subjected to unnecessary pain or suffering before, on, or after performing any sort of experiments on them.
To fulfill this duty the committee also formulated the Breeding of and Experiments on Animals (Control & Supervision) Rules, 1998 (amended in 2001 & 2006) to solely regulate the experimentation on animals.
CURRENT SCENARIO ISSUES OVER STRAY DOGS
The Committee recommended that stray dogs may be used for new vaccine trials and for challenging vaccines with the condition of rehabilitation and all the necessary guidelines issued., Challenge trials involve intentionally infecting a healthy animal with a biological agent, such as a virus, to test the efficacy of a potential vaccine. Such trials are also employed to test vaccines in people. Every street has witnessed stray dogs being the target of cruelty and lack of sensitivity.
EMPHASIS OF PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS ACT, 1960
The Act of Parliament of India that came in 1960 works for the prevention of the infliction of unnecessary pain, suffering, and torture of animals. Especially to such innocent dogs that become targets of all these by men.
This act was originally passed in 1890 and was replaced by the 1960 act. The act provides prevention and protection of animals from various aspects of human torturing; cruelty, Unnecessary pain, overwork, Torture, and Abuse. This act also established the Animal Welfare Board Of India.
CARETAKERS OF PERPETUAL VICTIMS (INCLUDING STRAY DOGS) – PETA
WHAT’S PETA
The People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India is an animal rights Non-Governmental Organization(NGO) that works to look after and proceed in ending animal abuse in business and society. People in the name of business, research, studies, and development have been harsh and insensitive to animals that can’t even express or fight back. The organization in India is there to raise awareness about animal cruelty, educate policymakers and the public, and promote respect for all animals.
RIGHTFUL INTERVENTION OF PETA IN THE PROTECTION OF STRAY DOGS
This organization was the one emphasizing in their report that CCSEA’s recommendations about stray dogs contradict the obligations under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, of 1960. It also points out the recommendations for the usage of stray dogs contrasting with the policies adopted by the EU, UK, US, and Australia, India’s counterparts in the field of science and technology.
PETA also gave an important argument to emphasize that relying on stray dogs cannot accurately predict human responses to vaccines which would lead to delays in the approval of effective treatments. So the withdrawal of such a recommendation would lead to a positive line of safeguarding of animal welfare and fostering scientific progress at the same time.
CONCLUSION – TRIUMPH OF COMPASSION AND CONSCIOUSNESS
In the intricate web of human progress, innocent animals like stray dogs have often borne the brunt of our ambitions, in the name of our progress and development, and then get caught in the crossfire of development and ethics. It is high time that we have not only used but misused stray dogs and tortured them in this complex tapestry of human-animal interactions.
The recent decision by the CCSEA stands as a beacon of conscientiousness. The withdrawal of stray dogs from the usage of vaccine trials has promoted the vigilance of a prominent organization in India, PETA, stating that their eyes are open to the matter and are consciously active about animal rights in the country.
It is a testament to the evolving society, one that recognizes the intrinsic values of all living beings and acknowledges our moral responsibility towards those who cannot speak for themselves. The advocacy of PETA illuminated the discrepancies in CCSEA’s orders, but also gave us wide issues of society, safeguarding animal welfare to ponder upon. Something we can’t let go so easily.
A point made by the unfolding of the ethical awakening to move forward within the society. One that reminds us that for progress to be truly meaningful, must be built on the foundations of compassion, dignity, and respect for all living beings.
-LAVANYA
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