Include animal welfare in manifesto, parties urged

Urging all political parties to include the issue of animal protection in their manifestos, an international animal protection organisation Friday presented them with a model manifesto.

The Humane Society International (HSI) submitted the draft in the wake of growing number of animal cruelty incidents reported in the country.

The manifesto focuses on the treatment doled out to animals in intensive farming, research laboratories and puppy mills.

"We believe that a change in party manifestos can establish a higher animal welfare standard in the country. The public is largely aware of animal welfare as a crucial issue and we urge all political groups to take a progressive stand in safeguarding the welfare of animals," said N.G. Jayasimha, HSI-India's managing director.

It highlights the need to protect wildlife, apart from suggesting policy recommendations.

The recommendations suggest the 16th Lok Sabha must ensure the bringing in of a new Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and inclusion of animal welfare in all its trade agreements; and support animal-friendly agriculture and implement stronger environmental and farm animal welfare regulations.