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Introduction
The full form of PETA is People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. It is an animal rights organization based in Virginia, USA. Ingrid Newkirk is PETA’s international president. It was founded in the year 1980, and it has been working as a non-governmental organization for protecting and improving the lives of animals. There are around 9 million members of PETA globally. PETA has independent entities in different locations around the world. It is also present in India and works for the welfare of animals in the country. Now let’s have a look at the details about this organization.
About PETA, India
PETA was launched in India in the year 2000 and is based in Mumbai. The organization is led by its chief executive officer, Dr Manilal Valliyate. PETA is a non-governmental organization that works on the principle that animals are not anybody’s property. They also have the right to live freely and enjoy basic rights to live like humans. They are not meant to eat, wear, be abused, or be experimented on. They work on educating society, businesses, and policymakers about animal rights and the fact that animals must also be treated equally with love and respect.
Primary Focus of PETA, India
The main focus of the organization is to stop animal abuse. The major areas of abuse are –
- Leather trade
- Experiments in laboratories
- Amusement activities
- Food Industry
Animals are often not taken care of properly when they participate in activities like a circus, where it is found that animals are confined for long durations and have no proper arrangements to live and eat. Similarly, laboratory animals used for experiments may not be handled properly, thus causing them unnecessary harm. The food and leather industry also involves animals for obtaining products that can be consumed or worn.
Through its frequent campaigns, PETA tries to create awareness in public about the lives of animals and their rights to live peacefully and unharmed in society. PETA, India carries out investigations when they become aware of any illegal activity involving animals. After a thorough investigation, the volunteers or members of the organization go ahead and rescue such animals and transfer them to a safe place where they are taken care of.
The members of PETA also organize special events to improve the quality of life of animals. Many celebrities are also involved with PETA to raise awareness about animal rights in the country. Celebrities help gain people’s attention so that the message that needs to be sent out has maximum reach. The media also plays a vital role in helping PETA gain country-wide coverage and carry out rescues of distressed animals from time to time.
Accomplishments of PETA, India
In India, PETA has persuaded the Medical Council of India to stop using animals for study purposes. Several universities conducting zoology courses have agreed to take a step ahead and stop animal dissections in the laboratory. The Central Zoo Authority has also posed a ban against containing elephants in circuses and zoos after a strong campaign by PETA. The organization has managed to rescue several animals who were being abused or were on the way to getting slaughtered. It was also successful in rescuing animals from the National Institute of Virology as the institute failed to maintain liveable conditions for animals.
Interning or Volunteering with PETA, India
PETA, India is an organization for animal lovers. People interested in interning or volunteering with the organization can do so by contacting PETA offices in Delhi and Mumbai or emailing them. Interns are usually asked to provide their services for at least a month to earn a certificate of appreciation in return. The scope of work includes contacting media, researching, updating and compiling data, and participating in activities organized by the members like demonstrations, campaigns, and social events. Volunteers can share their availability and participate in scheduled activities accordingly.
Conclusion
PETA India’s commitment to animal welfare is commendable. Regular investigations conducted by the organization have revealed the horrendous conditions some animals are subjected to in the name of running a business. Some owners of dairy farms abuse cows and buffaloes. The leather industry sometimes provides substandard transporting and living conditions for animals. PETA also filed a case in the Supreme Court of India after scrutinizing zoos across the country only to find poor living conditions for the animals. To support the cause of PETA India, many well-known Indian celebrities like Dilip Kumar, Hema Malini, and Saira Banu have contributed in their own way to help the organization continue the good work they are doing.
