Make an animal-friendly start to this academic year

Dolphins and other marine mammals such as orcas used in parks are highly intelligent and far-ranging creatures. They don’t belong in such captivity where they usually remain housed in cramped spaces for years. A life in captivity has a devastating effect on an animal’s welfare, resulting in abnormal behaviour, illness and often premature deaths. Pledge not to buy wild: Always assume that wildlife and wildlife products for sale are illegal and inhumane and pledge not to buy any wild animal or exotic pet or product made from wild animals.

Save a life, opt to adopt: If you want to bring a pet home, whether a puppy or a more mature dog, a purebred, hybrid or one-of-a-kind mixed breed dog, choose a shelter that will have the best selection of animals anywhere. Adopt from your nearest shelter. Pledge not to buy from pet shops or any breeders: Breeding facilities put maximum profit ahead of animal welfare and mass-produce puppies for sale on the Internet, through ads, by brokers or at pet shops. Dogs are raised in shockingly poor condition in breeding facilities.

Shelters and rescue groups have many wonderful dogs available for adoption every day. One of the safest bets, however, would be to adopt an Indian breed as they come with low maintenance cost and are equally intelligent as any pedigree. Volunteer more: Choose to spend your weekends and holidays volunteering in an animal shelter in your city. Animal shelters usually have many orphaned puppies, abandoned and distressed animals, who yearn for human attention and compan You can also enroll yourself in animal welfare workshops organized in your city and while you are at it, add your creativity to help them reach out to consumers about the issue.