On Republic Day, Mercy For Animals India volunteers at the Victoria Memorial staged a powerful demonstration for compassionate treatment of animals. Wearing animal masks and displaying placards that read ‘Constitutional Duty: Choose Compassion over Cruelty’, the activists urged the people of India to honour their constitutional duty to the environment and animals. Article 51-A (g) of the Constitution of India establishes “the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.”
“As we celebrate the spirit of Republic Day, let us reflect on the timeless values embedded in our Constitution”, said Niharika Kapoor, organising coordinator of Mercy For Animals India. “Compassion has always been the heartbeat of our nation’s foundation. This Republic Day, we extend a heartfelt reminder to all citizens: Embrace the constitutional duty of kindness. Let compassion guide our actions, not just towards each other but towards our environment and every living creature we share this planet with”.
Mercy For Animals India’s work effects major change for animals trapped in the food system. The organisation’s efforts have influenced the governments of at least 22 states, including West Bengal, Delhi, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Tripura, and Maharashtra, to prohibit the use of gestation and farrowing crates to confine mother pigs.
