-
.
- Ελληνικά
The fourth day of October has been established as "World Animal Day", a day to remember the timeless role of animals in human life, their rights, their importance in the conservation of ecosystems and a day to highlight man's duty to protect and act with respect towards them.
Animals have coexisted with humans since the beginning of their evolution and it is our duty to protect and respect them. A multitude of animal species have served humans through the ages, as working animals, as productive animals in animal husbandry, as companions. However, over time, the treatment of animals by humans has not always been in their best interests.
For this reason, the European Union, through the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, has recognised that, in formulating and implementing its policies in specific areas, account should be taken of the welfare requirements of animals as sentient beings. Thus, the five freedoms of animals were recognised, on which the rules for their protection were based:
- freedom from hunger and thirst
- freedom from stress
- freedom from pain, injury and disease
- the right to express normal behaviour
- freedom from fear and mental suffering
Cyprus, as a Member State of the European Union, follows and applies the Regulations governing the protection and welfare of animals, with the aim of improving under legislation, the quality of life of animals irrespective of the purpose for which they are kept, kept or bred.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment has included provisions to define a general framework of activities aimed at educating the public on animal welfare issues, better treatment of animals and, above all, the perception of individual responsibility of citizens so that everyone's behaviour does not adversely affect the interests of animals. The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, continuing on the path laid out in previous years, has undertaken actions aimed at educating the public on animal welfare issues, managing complaints regarding animal welfare more effectively, reviewing stray animal sterilisation programmes and monitoring the implementation and verification of legislation for the protection of stray animals.
Humans coexist with and need animals as much as animals need humans for their protection.
No animal should suffer, no animal should live in conditions unsuitable for its species and ethological needs.
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
