NP: Horses canter for rights, donkeys saunter

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*Horses canter for rights, donkeys saunter

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SHANKAR ACHARYA

http://ekantipur.com/kolnews.php?nid=191164

 

PARSA, April 25 - An animal rights group has adopted a novel way to raise

awareness on the need to treat animals humanely. To mark the World

Veterinary Day, it rallied mules, donkeys and horses on the streets of

Birgunj Sub-Metropolis, Parsa, on Saturday.

 

The animals participating in the rally were sporting a string of slogans but

the message was loud and clear: They were asking for love, care and respect.

The owners and masters were holding placards and banners that vividly

described the plight of their animals.

 

Birgunj is known for its famous cart rides. Hundreds of families make their

living by operating horse and donkey-drawn carts. According to estimates,

there are over 850 cart operators in Bara and Parsa district, of which 450

ply the roads of Parsa alone. The rally, organised under the aegis of Animal

Health Training and Consultancy Service Centre in support of the UK-based

Brook Hospital for Animals, was aimed at raising awareness on animal rights

on the occasion of the Veterinary Day.

 

Various programmes are held across the globe on April 25 to mark the World

Day for Animals in Laboratories. Mustafa Hawari, chairman of the Birgunj

Cart Operators Association, concedes they cannot eke out a living without

these animals. “Forgetting this fact, people treat these animals cruelly.

I'm sure after today's rally they will have a change of perspective about

not just only horses and donkeys but all animals.” The rally organisers

also provided “special lunch” to the horses and donkeys along with their

masters for their participation in the rally.

 

“Through programmes like these, we have been trying to drive the point home

that these animals need timely and nutritious food and proper care,” says Dr

Dinesh Tiwari, Bara-Parsa coordinator of the centre.

Posted on: 2009-04-25 20:20:52 (Server Time)