Upholding Animal Rights in the UAE
Introduction:
Every year on December 10th, the International Animal Rights Day is celebrated worldwide. For Yuup! Middle East, this occasion holds profound significance as we believe in extending the same love and care towards animals as we do towards humans and nature in all its forms. This article delves into understanding animal rights, human responsibilities, and explores what each of us can do to protect and promote a sense of freedom for all creatures, aligning with the laws and animal rights charter of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
Understanding International Animal Rights Day:
The International Animal Rights Day on December 10th aims to raise awareness about the values of freedom, justice, and the rights that should be applicable to all animals, both domestic and wild. The focus is on sensitizing people about cruelty towards animals and reiterating the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights, signed by UNESCO in Paris in 1978.
Animal Rights in the UAE:
Drawing from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment's charter, which reflects a commitment to animal welfare, it's crucial to highlight the importance of respecting and protecting animal rights. The UAE emphasizes freedom from mistreatment, the prohibition of experiments, and the right to live a life of well-being, joy, and love.
Five Freedoms for Animal Well-being:
We should always guarantee the five freedoms for animals, emphasizing the concept of well-being. These include freedom from hunger, thirst, and malnutrition; a suitable physical environment; freedom from diseases, injuries, and traumas; the expression of species-specific behaviors; and freedom from fear, ensuring mental well-being.
1. **Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) Regulations:** MOCCAE has issued executive regulations for Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 on animal welfare and its amendments in Federal Law No. 18 of 2016.
2. **Inclusivity Through Workshops:** The regulations were developed through workshops involving government and private sector stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach to animal welfare.
3. **Nine Articles Covering Responsibilities:** The executive regulations consist of nine articles detailing the responsibilities of animal owners, health and technical standards for facilities, animal nutrition conditions, and guidelines for loading, transporting, and unloading animals.
4. **Animal Owner Responsibilities (Article 2):** Owners are obligated to fully care for their animals, not abandon them, and, if necessary, surrender them to relevant authorities. Adequate staffing, proper shelter, nutrition, and veterinary care are required. Records of genetic lineage, nutrition, health, and daily routine must be maintained.
5. **Prohibition of Animal Cruelty (Article 2):** Acts such as inadequate nutrition, rest, and shelter, physical harm, overworking, and using animals in ways against their nature are labeled as cruelty and are punishable by law. This includes humane slaughter practices.
6. **Prohibitions on Practices (Article 2):** Owners are barred from using animals in performances, pranks, staged fights, administering growth-promoting drugs, steroids, or illegal additives to their feed.
7. **Health and Technical Standards (Article 4):** Standards for barns, cages, and stables are defined, emphasizing safety, sterility, and adequacy for the species, gender, age, size, and weight of the animals. Approved methods for disposing of animal carcasses are mandated.
8. **Transportation Regulations (Article 6):** Processes of loading, transporting, and unloading animals are regulated, including the requirement for obtaining transport permits from local authorities.
9. **Commitment to Animal Welfare:** MOCCAE emphasizes the UAE's strong commitment to animal welfare, aligning with global standards and reflecting the significance of animal welfare in Islamic beliefs and culture.
10. **Endorsement by MOCCAE Official:** His Excellency Eng Saif Mohammed Al Shara highlights that the executive regulations are in line with global animal welfare standards, underlining the UAE's dedication to animal protection and biodiversity preservation.
Protecting Animal Freedom and Dignity:
Recognizing animals as sentient beings, capable of self-awareness, emphasizes the need for shared respect and rights. International Animal Rights Day serves as a platform to convey this truth, fostering awareness in schools and communities. Associations and NGOs actively work to protect animal rights, engaging in educational programs and fundraising campaigns.
How Individuals Can Contribute:
Individuals can play a significant role in protecting animal rights through small gestures. Responsible pet ownership, ethical choices in the food supply chain, and supporting recognized shelters and organizations are ways to contribute. Adopting animals in need, practicing ethical consumerism, and being mindful of environmental impact collectively create a positive impact.
Yuup!'s Commitment to Animal Rights:
Yuup! Middle East is committed to the well-being of all pets. Our products are designed with the philosophy of "Pure beauty in all its forms," using natural ingredients that prioritize pet wellness and environmental sustainability. Our cosmetics are not tested on animals, ensuring transparency and adherence to high-quality standards.
Conclusion:
As Marguerite Yourcenar said, "Animals have their own rights and dignity just like you." It is a reminder to be subversive against ignorance, indifference, and cruelty. Through collective efforts, awareness, and commitment, the International Animal Rights Day can continue to spread a message of respect, care, attention, and safeguarding for all animal friends worldwide. Each individual has the will, power, and capacity to contribute to creating a better world for these precious lives, one day at a time.