Today is World Animal Day. We are blessed to live in our home Sri Lanka, with so many species of animals both wild and domestic.  It makes Sri Lanka so unique and much loved by many who visit us to see our elephants, leopards, whales and other animals. 

One of the most special things about our communities are the dogs, cats, birds, porcupines and other animal species who live amongst us. Many of us understand the importance of living in harmonybut sadly there are far too many who don’t, which results in immense abuse, fear and suffering for many of our voiceless friends. Even though they don’t have a voice, it is a human voice they lack. Like any of us they communicate in their own way with each other and also with us, if only we take the time to listen and watch them. 

Horrific conditions

A larger number of them suffer in captivity in cages, on chains and in horrific conditions in pet shops and unregulated breeding centers. They are also paraded, slaughtered in inhumane ways, held captive and used for entertainment depriving them of their right for freedom, a life with their families and friends.  Until we are able to recognise their rights and consider them as our equals, it will only continue to affect our progress for a better life for all, because what happens to them is what happens to us as a collective and a country. 

We must free the enslaved and captive, eliminate the cruelty of the pet trade and protect our wildlife by giving them a safe home to live in. 

A lot has changed in the last few years with a greater number of people understanding the importance of living together harmoniously as one, but we still have a long way to go for greater change. It is what will help us be better, happier and more prosperous in our communities and our country.

(The writer is the World Animal Day Ambassador)