Awareness among people is very necessary to stop abuse of the street animals as they deserve empathy and care like other living beings, speakers said today at a discussion.

“Awareness about animal rights is little in the society…. However, if we could be vocal about the issue [abuse of street animals] then it will come to an end,” renowned actress Jaya Ahsan said while delivering her speech as special guest in the discussion.

She also urged all to be protective and sympathetic towards the animals.

RobinHood the Animal Rescuer, a voluntary organisation, organised the discussion on the rights of street animals at the auditorium of Bangladesh Mohila Samity in Dhaka.

Superstitions regarding animals exist among the people as they consider the animals unclean and ominous, said Wahidul Hasan Milton, councillor (ward-1) of Dhaka South City Corporation.

“However, the scenario has changed as the culling of stray dogs has stopped for six to seven years,” he added.

Stressing the need for showing empathy to the animals, Veterinary Surgeon of Bangladesh National Zoo Luthfor Rahman said, “Every living being has the right to live, so do the animals”.

Giving examples of different accidents recently, he said that bus drivers are often responsible for the accidents as they even care less for human life, let alone the life of animals.

Rudro Rasel, office secretary of Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB), said that there is need for building awareness in this regard as it can help stop the abuse of animals and provide them safety.

Elaborating on the future plan of the organisation, its founder Afzal Khan said that he would like to set up a hospital on the animals where necessary treatment will be provided.  

He also called upon all to treat the street animals fairly.