Highlights Of #FreedomForAll Telethon: An Initiative To Help Reduce Animal Exploitation And Suffering In India
The India Animal Fund Freedom For All campaign envisions a world free of animal harm and exploitation which prioritises ending the suffering of all sentient beings independent of species
At the #FreedomForAll telethon, Sandeep Sibal, Co-Founder, India Animal Fund shares alternatives to animal products
Human ingenuity and innovation is almost limitless, and its role in our moral evolution as a species has been substantial. Some of our inventions have been frankly fortuitous in reducing animal exploitation. The goal was a simply better solution which ended our exploitation of animals.
Over the past decade or so, driven by a rising consciousness, especially among millennials and Gen-Z who are generally far more conscious about the environment and animal welfare, there are a slew of very innovative solutions that are making it to market, which could well become commonplace - much like the smartphone has become part and parcel of modern life. Meat alternatives are becoming ubiquitous and the sophistication of these alternatives is growing by the day.
I have here Blue Tribe's range of products like this mutton patty and pork pepperoni which are made from plants and satisfy the craving for a meat like eating experience. Demolish Foods makes these whole-cut chicken breasts that are in this plate in front of me, one of which has been cut and cooked to make chicken tikka that is virtually indistinguishable in terms of taste and texture.
Dairy alternatives have quickly gained acceptance among consumers in various countries and now in India. I have in this glass a plant-based milk made by Alt Foods. Its made with sprouted ragi, sprouted jowar, amaranth and oats - making it perhaps the first millet-based milk in the world. On the materials front, we have companies innovating to develop alternatives to materials derived form animals like wool, fur, leather and silk. I am holding in my hand a few leather samples made by Ultraw. This leather is 99% plant-based and is biodegradable.
We cage animals, we test on animals, we hunt animals, we kill animals.
The scale and intensity of animal suffering is far greater than any other form of suffering.
And yet it is a suffering that goes unnoticed by most of us.
Animals globally are in dire need of aid & support from the cruelty that they endure each day. The statistics are appalling & the resolve is barely skimming the surface.
Millions of animals suffer inhuman treatment as a result of illegal trade and poaching, reckless breeding, farm agriculture and lab experiments. The laws that protect animals are archaic, there is poor compliance, and existing facilities and infrastructure at animal shelters are below par, and too few in number.
Despite this animal harm & exploitation on a massive scale, financial support for animal welfare causes is less than 1% of the amount that comes in for human causes.
Animal welfare should concern us all. Human health issues, environmental degradation, global warming and challenges of animal well-being are all interconnected. There is an imminent need to be aware of and to adopt an one health approach. For one to be healthy, the planet and all living beings on it need to be healthy.
The India Animal Fund Freedom For All campaign envisions a world free of animal harm and exploitation which prioritizes ending the suffering of all sentient beings independent of species.
The campaign aims to provide a platform for effective giving that produces transparent, independent, evidence-based and actionable recommendations of interventions/ organizations to demonstrably reduce animal suffering in India.
It’s now time to fight for the dignity of animal life. It’s now time to treat all sentient beings with compassion.
Join hands with the India Animal Fund Freedom For All campaign to help animals. They only have us for support.
*Disclaimer: NDTV is the broadcast partner for a Sponsored Campaign by India Animal Fund - Freedom For All. NDTV has no role to play in the funds collected by India Animal Fund. NDTV will not be liable for any claim(s) made by any person or entity, including any statutory or governmental authority, arising out of the collection or utilization of the funds.