Sunday, December 22, 2013

Dogs have Magical Powers - III

Another magical power of your pet dog is that he can recognize your photo from a variety of other pictures by tracking or looking at your eyes. So far, the specialized skill for recognizing facial features holistically has been assumed to be a quality that only humans and possibly, primates possess. But the new study proves that the canines have facial recognition skills similar to humans.

The researchers, led by professor Outi Vainio at the university of Helsinki, tested dogs' spontaneous behavior towards images - if the dogs are not trained to recognize faces, are they able to see faces in the images and do they naturally look at familiar and strange faces differently?





This is merely one more finding by humans about the magical powers dogs have. There are many more to be still discovered. In fact, we still know only a little about animals and the animal kingdom, although we claim to know a lot about them. These findings prove once again that animals deserve our respect and love and must be allowed to live a dignified life.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Scorpions & Beetles on Menu Now...

As if slaughtering and eating pigs, cows, chicken, goats, lamb, tigers, dogs, deer, snakes etc was not enough, human(un)kind has decided to munch on scorpions and beetles now! A tiny bar in Paris's Montmartre district has started offering scorpions and beetles to its customers to have a different taste and eating experience! Grasshoppers, beetles, scorpions and two different types of worm -- sango and silk -- are the latest additions to their fare. The chef says, "There are two textures.... you have the head and the body which are a completely different taste and flavor". The body was "sandy" tasting while the head was "crunchy" and tasted a bit like a combination of beetroot and mushrooms, he added!




It's a wonder why people can't eat original beetroot and mushroom instead of killing innocent scorpions and beetles and eating them to have a taste of beetroot and mushroom! This is really outrageous! When will this madness of exploiting animal life and nature will stop? Humans are destroying everything on the planet in order to satisfy their greed and whims, without thinking about the repercussions it will have in the long run. We must understand that everything and every creature on the planet has a purpose and if we destroy them, we will destroy ourselves.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Animal Sacrifice during the Festive Season

Billions of animals will be sacrificed by Hindus and Muslims this month in India. On the eighth and ninth day of the on going Durga Puja ( Durga Puja is a 10 day worship festival of Goddess Durga ); millions of animals will be sacrificed to the Goddess by Hindus! Similarly, Muslims will sacrifice millions of animals on the occasion of Bakrid this month.




People sacrifice animals to their Gods and Goddesses hoping this will bring peace, prosperity and happiness to their lives! How can cold - blooded killing and shedding innocent blood bring peace and prosperity to one's life is beyond one's comprehension! Can we really be happy and get prosperous by taking a life away?



Every religion is great and gives a message of love, peace, harmony, friendship and brotherhood. All the killings and mass murder of sweet, harmless, beautiful and innocent animals is just man-made. Human kind, which is not kind at all, would destroy everything beautiful created by the Lord. Animals don't destroy anything on Earth. They take only what Mother Earth has to offer to them. In fact, animals make an invaluable contribution to maintain the sanctity of the eco-system which is vital for our survival. We must understand that if animals won't be left on the planet, we would perish too. Therefore, we must not kill animals who have done us no harm. We must not murder them for our beliefs and for merely a tasty dish.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Exotic Species for e-sale?

Several rare species of animals and birds are on sale on the web. The Blue Throated Macaw, a magnificent bird endemic to Bolivia, the Military Macaw, an albino Chinese soft-shelled turtle with a pointed nose and the indefatigable Iguana...all are available at one click of the mouse!


Despite being on the list of International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ), these animals and birds are being advertised for sale on the internet. Sellers, selling these animals and birds, make use of loopholes in wildlife laws worldwide to sell them and make money.


People buying these animals and birds don't realize that these animals and birds are not 'domestic', and are best left in the wild. It is the role of the government to ensure that these animals and birds are not traded in the blatant violation of law. Even to sell birds and animals, which are allowed to be traded under the law, the government must ensure that these traders are properly trained and have valid trading licenses.


In the first place, no animals and birds should be traded at all. Who are we to sell and buy animals and birds? It reminds one of the days when humans were traded as slaves. The best place for animals and birds is the wild and not human colonies, and they should be left in the wild to live their natural lives.








Source:TOI

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Dogs Have Magical Powers - II

A dog, it seems, has numerous magical powers. Researchers have found that they could train dogs to sniff out the signature chemical compound that indicates the presence of ovarian cancer with 100% accuracy! Ohlin Frank, a trained chocolate Labrador, has been able to detect ovarian cancer tissue 100% of the time, researchers said.


Researchers are using the sense of smell of the dogs to identify the earliest odour of ovarian cancer, a silent killer often diagnosed too late. Cancer cells leave a detectable bio-marker, just as asparagus can affect the smell of urine when eaten.




Researches said that all dogs are really good at sniffing, but part of what gives them a huge advantage over us is the surface area of the olafactory receptors. The dogs have already been introduced to the cancer tissue smell and were taught to sit when they found it.

All these research and findings prove that dogs have magical powers and they are a blessing given to us by God. In fact, not only the dog, but all the other animals are a blessing with unlimited unexplained powers. They all have a purpose to be on Earth. They contribute significantly to the constant development of the Earth and the environment. It is only the human beings who destroy everything aroud them.









Source: TOI

Thursday, August 1, 2013

The Increasing Number of Tigers in India

There is some good news after all the disappointment over killings of tigers in India. According to the latest census, the number of tigers is increasing in many states in India. But wildlife experts are stil alarmed over conservation efforts, which are hampered by rampant poaching and construction of infrastructure projects in forest areas.

While the source population has been better protected in most states since 2006, the offspring dispersing to areas beyond the core sanctuary fall prey to human development. But the gradual increase in the number of the big cats is primarily due to some measures taken by the states. Some new sanctuaries have been declared, and they are in strategic locations for breeding and safe dispersal of tigers.




There is a lot to be done by the authorities for other animals too. Over 617 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India that are home to several critically endangered species, get a very little money each month while the largest chunk of money goes to the tiger conservation fund. While it is very important to save the tiger, it is equally important to save other endangered animals.











Source:TOI

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Dolphins have Names...

A research has proved that one of the world's most intelligent animals - dolphins too have names. And they aren't given by humans! For the first time ever, researchers have shown how dolphins respond to individual names. The marine mammals use a unique whistle to identify each other and respond when they hear their own call. The research also said that bottleneck dolphins use signature whistles to address an individual animal, just like a name.


The team of researchers followed groups of wild dolphins and recorded their unique signature whistles using a novel signature identification method. They then played back either a computer version of an animal's signature whistle, or control whistles of either unfamiliar animal from a different population or a familiar animal from the same population. Each dolphin only reacted when hearing the computer version of its own signature whistle, but not to other whistles played back to it.


Dolphins are the divine gifts we must preserve. The wildspread killing of Dolphins in Japan and other countries of the world must be stopped with immediate effect. Dolphins are known to be sensitive, loving and caring. They are also helping human beings in many researches giving invaluable information. Such majestic creatures deserve a peaceful life and must be protected.











Source: TOI

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

The Gory Chronicles of Sansar Chand

The most notorious poacher of the world Sansar Chand, who is doing time in jail in India, might be released soon. While he has been in jail, his family members have allegedly been carrying out poaching activities to carry on the rich family business. Here are the details of his atrocities against innocent animals:



In the year 1974, this dreaded poacher was caught with 680 animal skins, including those of tigers and leopards.


In the year 1975, there was a seizure of skin of 35 leopards, 5 tigers, 2 pythons, 1 spotted deer, 1 Indian gazelle and 43 other animals from him.


In the year 1988, there was a seizure of skin of 1998 jackals, 1004 jungle cats, 57 common foxes, 50 red foxes, 45 toddy cats, 25,800 snakes, 19 desert cats, 1 tiger, 5 leopards, 1 wolf and 180 wet jackals from him.


In the year 1990, there was a seizure of skin of 1 tiger, 17 leopards, 74 other animals and 30 kg tiger bones from him.


In the year 1992, there was a seizure of skin of 31 leopards, 1 tiger, 1 tiger cub, 5 crocodiles, 8 jackals, 1 wild hare and 35 mongooses from him.



In the year 1993, there was a seizure of skin of 43 leopards, 6 tigers, 26 tiger cubs, 6 black bucks, 3 fishing cats, 2 leopard cats, 3 clouded leopards, 3 lizards, 2 civet cats, 3 hill foxes, 3 leopard claws, 5 jungle cats, 1 jackal, 1 cheetal, 134 other animals, 4681 kg of sheep wool and 287 kg of tiger bones from him.


In the year 1999, again there was a seizure of 1 tiger skin, 7 other animals and 5 traps from him.


It seems this man was determined to wipe the whole wild life of India out in order to make money. Such murderers of harmless, innocent animals should be put in jail forever so that they can never harm animals ever again. Brutal killing of animals must be stopped immediately and all the poachers must be arrested and given exemplary punishment.








Source: TOI

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Dog-Owner Bond

According to a new study, the relationship between pet dogs and their owners is strikingly similar to the child-parent bond in humans. Scientists investigated the bond between dogs and their owners and found that the relationship turns out to be highly similar to the deep connection between young kids and their parents.



Domestic dogs have been closely associated with humans for about 15,000 years. The animals are so well adapted to living with human beings that in many cases the owner replaces conspecifics and assumes the role of the dog's main social partner. The relationship between pet owners and dogs is highly similar to the deep connection between young children and their parents.







Source:TOI

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Starving Mules of Uttarakhand

Thousands of lives have been lost in the tragic incident of cloud burst and landslide in the hill state of Uttarakhand in India. The government agencies and the Indian Army have been carrying out rescue operations to save human lives which is commendable. However, no one is paying attention to nearly 2000 mules and horses stranded in the ravaged area.


These mules are used to ferry people from one place to another in the hills which itself is animal torture and exploitation. However, ignoring them completely and leaving them to die of starvation after a calamity of such magnitude shows our indifferent and cruel attitude towards these animals. It proves how rampantly we have exploited the Earth and its creatures for our own benefit.



The lives of these starving animals are as important as of humans. Nobody has a right to think that animals have fewer rights than humans and that it does not matter if these mules and horses starve to death.


The government and the authorities concerned should immediately start a rescue and rehabilitation program for these animals. In the meantime, they should immediately be provided with food and water. A team of vets should be sent immediately to ascertain that all the injured animals are given proper medical treatment.


If we have been exploiting these animals for our own benefit, we must take care of them. We must remember that the life of an animals is as precious as the life of a human being and that they deserve the same facilities which are being provided to the humans of the affected area. We request the government to immediately take staeps to rescue and rehabilitate these innocent animals.







Friday, June 7, 2013

Tiger Population is increasing in India...

In India, which is home to half of the world's tiger population, the latest census in March 2011, revealed the presence of an estimated 1,706 tigers, way down from a healthy 45,000 population about 100 years ago. Tigers are mercilessly poached for their skin, claws and bones, all sold for its medicinal value in countries such as China and also in the west. Parts from a single tiger can fetch as much as $50,000 in the black market.

However, there is some encouraging news. Officials at the NagarjunasagarSrisailam Tiger Reserve ( India ) said tiger movements were caught on camera recently in and around 800 square kilometers of NSTR, which experts said were signs that the population was doing well. At least 5 males and 10 females, apart from 3 cubs aged over a year old were caught on camera in the core areas for the first time in the last few years.




Buoyed at the good news, NSTR officials said they are planning to purchase 210 cameras so that 800 square kilometer area can be covered at one go. Officials also plan to scout at least 2,000 square kilometres area of the reserve before the onset of monsoon and complete rest of the area later. This scientific mapping exercise is being done under phase-4 of intensive tiger monitoring under the ministry of environment and forests. Experts said special care must be taken to protect the cubs as the mortality rate is often very high.







Source: TOI

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Bullock Cart Races should be Banned


Bullock Cart races should be banned immediately in India and elsewhere in the world. Bullocks used in these races are deprived of food, water and shade for up to six hours. They are forcefully yanked by nose ropes that causes their noses to bleed and are physically abused in order to force them to run - even when exhausted. The animals have their tails twisted, chemical irritants rubbed into their mouths and jabbed with sharp wires with protruding nails to control their movement.





Tormenting and terrifying bulls into running to make money is inherently cruel and this sadistic celebration of torturing innocent animals must stop at once. This cruel show of violence proves once again how low the mankind can stoop to satisfy their greed. There are other races, by all kinds of other animals - horses, cows, camels, sheep etc; all over the world. Why doesn't man make other men run such races - kept hungry for 6-8 hours, forcefully yanked by nose ropes, and their bodies pierced by spears? Once man goes through this immenses pain, he will understand the agony animals go through.


All violence, in all the forms being inflicted upon animals must be stopped immediately by countries across the world. Once this mindless violence against animals stop, there are chances that violence against mankind will stop too. As someone rightly said, "For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seed of murder and pain cannot reap joy and love."

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Debarking - The Cruel Practice

It has been found that the vocal chords of dogs are being severed in order to make them dumb. Many breeders who supply animals for experimentation severe the animals' vocal chords so that they do not bark and create a racket when painful experiments are performed on them in labs. This is being done even by individual dog owners who want to silence their barking pets. This practice is called Debarking, which is a procedure in which vocal chords are severed using laser.


The process of debarking has become easier with the introduction of lasers. In this process, the mouth of an anesthetized dog is opened, a laser is inserted in its mouth and the vocal chord is cut partially or completely. There is no bleeding and the whole process takes only five minutes.





This process of debarking is totally unethical and cruel. It could have lasting effects on a dog's psychology. If a dog can not communicte with its owner or other dogs normally, it is certain to go into a state of depression or become completely docile. This cruel practice must be banned immediately by governments all across the globe. Experiments done on debarked dogs, or any other dogs or animals for that matter, must be banned too. We can not, and must not claim to be the sole custodians of the planet and use everything and everybody according to our greed and convenience.







Source: TOI

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

A Prayer For Animals




O God, source of life and power,
Who feedeth the birds of the heavens,
increase our tenderness towards all the creatures of Thy hand.
Help us to refrain from petty acts of cruelty,
or thoughtless deeds of harm to any living animal.



May we care for them at all times, especially during hard weather,
and protect them from injury so that they learn to trust us as friends.
Let our sympathy grow with knowledge,
so that the whole creation may rejoice in Thy presence.




: Anonymous


Thursday, April 11, 2013

I Am a Horse

You can saddle me or bridle me
You can put a chain around my neck
You can laugh or dock my tail
But my spirit you'll never break.
I'm not a toy to be modeled for fashion
Nor a slave to your every whim
I am a horse, a creature of my own
Like you, I was made by Him.

I will not answer to your call
Yet I will be here until the end
I am not here to be your doll
I was made to be your friend.

I will not run away from you
Nor will I beg for reprieve
I was made to be your companion
So I never shall leave.







You can treat me like a slave
And perhaps you'll never know
That inside, I am something more
Then the horse on which you go.

You can chain me or starve me
Drive a whip into my sides
But you'll never get inside me
Where the angel spirit resides.







-- written by Kit --

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Cosmetics Tested on Animals Banned

The European Union has put into effect a complete ban on the sale of cosmetics developed through animal testing. The ban applies to all such products, no matter where in the world they come from. This means no cosmetics tested on animals can be sold in any of the 27 European Union countries.

This is a very good decision by the E U. This is high time all the other countries followed suit and imposed a blanket ban on testing cosmetics on animals. All the nations of the world need to go cruelty free as far as testing cosmetics on animals is concerned.



In fact, cruelty inflicted on animals in any form must stop now. The human race has tortured and exploited the animals of the world enough already and need to stop this game of blood, violence and greed immediately. In the stone age, we did not know farming and had no options for food except killing animals and eating them. But now we have hundreds of options for food and we kill and eat animals just for taste. Killing and eating a living being just for taste is outrageous. Imagine of a situation where humans start killing and eating one another just for taste!

Enough is enough. As custodians of the planet, it is our moral obligation to give protection and love to the animals of the world. The earth belongs to them as much as it belongs to us and we have no right to kill and use them for personal gain and gratification.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Cats Mimic Us

According to a new study, cats mimic human habits - good and bad - and adapt their lifestyle with that of their owners. The finding shows how profoundly captivity can affect certain animals. While genetics help to explain some aspects of personality and behavior, an individual's environment clearly is a factor too.


Cats are intelligent animals with a long memory. They watch and learn from us, noting the patterns of our actions, as evidenced by knowing where their food is kept and what time to expect to be fed, how to open the cupboard door that has been improperly closed and where their feeding and toileting areas are, the study said.




The findings of the study clearly show how we are responsible for the well-being of animals of the planet. It naturally becomes our collective responsibility to take care of them and to ensure that their natural behavior remains the same. Animals are beautiful creatures and they should be respected for their individuality. It is our absolute obligation to protect the animals of the planet under all circumstances.






Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Do Fish Really Feel No Pain...

Scientists have reportedly discovered that fish do not feel pain as they do not have a brain system or enough sensory receptors in the nerve cells to experience suffering. Fish do not even suffer when they are hooked and fighting for their lives, according to research by an international team.

While fish may struggle to get free, scientists say this does not mean they are in pain. Instead, they show little effect from injuries and toxins that would leave humans in agony. In their experiments, experts inserted needles into the jaws of rainbow trout. In spite of large injections of acid or bee venom, that would cause severe pain to a human, the trout showed little effect. Fish also resumed normal activity within minutes of surgical procedures, as well as after being caught and released back into the water.



Even if this report is correct, nobody gets a right to inflict cruelty on fish or kill them. We all know how important fish are for a balanced eco system. We all must remember that the animals of the world are here for a reason and the Earth belongs to them as much as it belongs to humans. As Henry Beston puts it, "We need another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals... In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendor and travail of the earth."




Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Elephants Crushed by Train

A train hit and killed five elephants and a foetus in Ganjam distric of Odisha state in India. The elephants - three females, a tusker; a calf besides a foetus - were killed after being hit by the express train. One of the female elephants was in the advanced stages of pregnancy and the impact of the hit forced the foetus to come out! The elephants were crossing the railway track when the train hit them one after the other, killing them on the spot.

How insane is that! What is the wisdom behind putting railway tracks through the middle of the jungle? Even if it was at all needed to lay railway tracks through the jungle, the government must have taken safety measures for the animals to save then from this untimely, cruel death.



Again this shows the insensitive and indifferent attitude of humans towards animals of the world. We are worried only about ourselves, exploiting all available resources to make our lives better. We have become so self-centered in our efforts to enjoy luxuries of life that we don't care about other forms of life on the planet. However, we must remember that if there will be no animals left on earth, we will perish too.