New Delhi, May 15 (UNI) Committed to being a responsible parent and bringing up her children as humane beings of the society, actor Raveena Tandon has shared a video message expressing her concern about animals suffering in circuses and underscores her support for their freedom.
Through this videologue, she aims to sensitise parents towards animal cruelty in circuses and also urges the government to end this animal suffering.
In the video message, Raveena says, “As a responsible member of the most vibrant entertainment industry, I believe that animals should not be subjected to cruelty for our entertainment. Animals in circuses are beaten, forced and harassed both physically and mentally to perform for our viewing pleasure. We, as the most privileged species on the planet should not, and need not treat animals this way. I don’t want my children to believe that dogs carry umbrellas or that parrots ride a bicycle. They only do it for the fear of punishment.”
A strong advocate of rights and equality, Raveena has been supporting the Federation of Indian Animals Protection Organisations (FIAPO), which along with 'Four Paws', has been campaigning for the freedom of these abused animals.
In the video, she also appeals for their freedom to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) saying, “I support FIAPO’s End Circus Suffering campaign, which has freed hundreds of animals from cruel circuses. Dear Minister of Environment and Forests--Dr Harsh Vardhan, as an active social worker and an actor, I urge you to put an end to the use of animals in circuses through an improved legislation. Let us join hands and let these creatures be where they belong.”
Last month, the actor had also written a letter to the MoEF to impose a ‘complete and immediate end’ to the use of all animals in circuses.
Varda Mehrotra, Director, FIAPO said,'Teaching animals to perform inappropriate tricks portrays them to the public in manner far removed from their natural behaviour. Instead of showing their natural grace and beauty, such circuses desensitise the society, particularly young children, to animal abuse in the name of entertainment. There are better ways to learn about animals than going to the circus. Parents could take their children to volunteer at an animal rescue center or watch a great documentary about animals in their own homes.”
The campaign 'End Circus Suffering', initiated by FIAPO has so far enabled the rehabilitation of more than 160 abused animals from 15 circuses.
The Federation, supported by 82 members and over 200 NGOs nationwide, has also submitted a detailed report of the state of animals in circuses in India to the MoEF&CC.
FIAPO’s investigations have shown animals with broken bones; infectious diseases; permanent physical and mental disorders; crippled animals that can’t even walk being forced by circuses to perform tricks.
UNI PY SHK 2005