Rulers Who Made A Difference

While it’s true that we, the ordinary people at the grassroots must do our part in helping animals and this means each one of us, there are still things which will reach a dead-end unless certain laws are changed and in its place, kinder laws are implemented and enforced.

For example, each time we meet with any politician over animal welfare issues, we only have ONE request: Please spare our ear-notched animals. The answer has always either been a “No” or a “We’ll look into it and get back to you”. Ear-notched animals are still not spared at this point in time. Now, this becomes a hindrance to our work, because often when we encourage people to CNRM, they retort, “What for? Even if we get the animals neutered, the moment someone complains, the council will still catch them!” This frustration is completely understandable. It’s true. So we can only hope for the chance that nobody complains and the councils do not come.

However, if the lawmakers work with us and spare our ear-notched animals, then our work becomes much easier. And not only that, people will be more motivated to join the CNRM bandwagon when it is sanctioned and supported by those in power.

Three-and-a-half years ago, I asked our elected representative if our area can be the first in Malaysia to implement neutering and to stop capture-and-kill. As you probably know, it could not be done. However, I was told instead to stop people from complaining. Once the complaining stops, the capturing-and-killing will stop. So, what we have done (and that’s the only thing we can do) is to extend our neutering subsidy to as many people as we can and also to educate people on CNRM as being the more compassionate way to manage the stray animal population. We have done this through free books, public talks, events, etc. Our neutering subsidy is offered to every caregiver in Malaysia as long as our policy requirements are fulfilled.

So, the people in power matters and can make a difference. If only kinder laws were implemented, it would make a huge difference to the destiny of the street animals. Not only that, when rulers lead, the people will follow.

Take a look at these:

Qatar implements TNR for street cats:�http://myanimalcare.org/2012/01/13/managing-qatars-stray-cats-a-success-story/

Kuwait implements TNR for street dogs:�http://myanimalcare.org/2011/01/27/first-tnr-programme-in-kuwait-to-save-dogs/

Now, let’s go back in time and see how two leaders (kings, to be exact) made a big difference and huge impact on the people and animals simply because they enacted laws that protected the wellbeing of animals.

When rulers lead, the people do follow.

King Asoka of India

King Asoka was an extremely ruthless warrior-king of the Mauryan Empire who took after his grandfather in his quest to conquer India. However, after his conquest of Kalinga where he witnessed the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, he realised the error of his ways and from then on, turned over a new leaf and became an exemplary ruler. Not only was he kind to humans, he also extended his compassion to animals.

King Asoka lived by these principles to the letter.

The above were laws carved on his rock edicts. These laws were implemented throughout the country. Officers were assigned to specially take care of the animals. Nursing mother-animals were protected in special enclosures during the nursing period. Teams of officers were given duties to feed the wild animals.

King Asoka is attributed to be the first ruler in the world to build hospitals for animals in his kingdom.

King Asoka started the legacy of the Cakkavatti Kings, which comprises kings in Sri Lanka, Thailand and other parts of Indo-China. His legacy was continued centuries after his demise.

When rulers led, the people followed.

King Amenohis IV of Egypt

So, rulers and people in power do make a difference.

We hope for more compassionate leaders.

Meanwhile, we do our part.

Source: http://myanimalcare.org/2013/04/10/rulers-who-made-a-difference/

Tweet

AnimalCare

AnimalCare is a registered society that promotes caregiving to street animals and helps in their neutering and medical needs. AnimalCare has a Medical Fund, Food Fund and Education Fund.

More Articles   |   Pets For Adoption   |   Website