Elephants and Dogs!

 Elephants! Those majestic tusks, long trunks, huge ears, such a beautiful and graceful animal. Dogs are definitely loving, thankful, and caring animals. We love them so much. But why do we cage those animals and change their habitat? Research says the elephants do not stay confined to a single place for a long time, which avoids habitat destruction. Only 50% of Asian elephants survive beyond 15 years, and only 20% reach 30 because of hunters. Elephants fan their ears to cool their bodies, and that doesn’t mean they enjoy panchavadhyam or fire crackers. Wild elephants walk 15km+ a day, and that helps with their digestion as well. Are we not restricting all these in the name of elephant love? Elephants and dogs are the most exuberantly expressive of creatures. They express joy, anger, care, grief, compassion, and love. I was thinking if we love someone, we will let them do what they love and give them what they want. But here we cage them!

Dogs are one kind of animal that breeds many times. For every animal, breeding is its nature and rights. Calling ‘dog’ a bad word because they mate with many. In the name of dog love, are we not restricting their natural urge to mate, freedom, and habitat? We cage them, giving them food which we love and ask them to do according to our wish. They can’t even pee or poop according to their time. It is certainly a debatable topic about cows. We restrict their habitat too, their breeding and everything. But the majority of the population uses cow’s milk, and the cow is not used for humans' entertainment, unlike elephants and dogs. Many vegans are emerging, which is certainly a positive note. Vegetarian Vs Non-vegetarian is a huge topic, though! There were times when dogs were used to safeguard houses. But now, the majority pet them within the apartment or house. It’s high time to rethink about pets and so-called animal rights.

Uma Narayanan