GURGAON, March 20th 2010 : In a historic demonstration of public sentiment against widespread and open abuse, killing, poaching and illegal trade in animals, a protest march was held by citizens of Gurgaon today. More than 200 people from different localities, activists from across NGOs, senior citizens, children and residents from diverse walks of life, marched and presented memorandums to the Deputy Commissioner of Gurgaon, the District & Sessions Judge and the Police Commissioner.The march brought spontaneous support from a large number of social and animal welfare organizations, schools, village panchayats and Universities including the Jawaharlal Nehru University and the corporates in the city. Many speakers came out openly against the morally outrageous cruelties against animals and the apathetic attitude and ignorance about laws both of general masses and the police. The chief speakers were Ms. Sreerupa Mitra Chowdhury ( prominent social activist),Mr. Sikand (senior most qerwa activist),Mr. Mahendra Singh Tokas(Cow activist), Mr. Ishwar Singh Sangwan(prominent lawyer), Mr. R.S.Rathee(prominent public figure in Gurgaon), Ms. Vidya Sangwan(social worker and animal activist), Kamal Vij(community leader in DLF),Tulika Mehra (social worker) and Varsha Sharma(Founder Princeton Animal Fan Club), founder chairman of the People for Animals Haryana Naresh Kadyan, representative of the International Organisation for Animal Protection - OIPA in India These representations called upon the police to discharge its constitutional duty and implement the law ; both of which are seriously and openly compromised. While various laws (listed below) exist to protect animals, they are rarely implemented :



1.The Constitution of India, Directive Principles of State Policy, Article 51A.



2.Indian Penal Code, Section 38 (J)



3.Amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (Act 59, of 1960), introduction of new legislation for dog breeders and fish aquariums.



4.Wildlife Protection Act (1972) Sections 9, 39, 40 (2)



5. Introduction of new legislation / rules applicable in Haryana for animal welfare like Delhi Police Act,1978. Complete ban on animal sacrifice in Haryana, cruel animal transportation as well.



6.Session trial for the violation of the Punjab Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act (1955) Applicable to Haryana : Sections 3, 4A,4B, 5 in Haryana. Formation of Haryana State Cattle / Cow Commission / State Wild Life Advisory Board / State Animal Welfare Board, Hon. Wild Life Wardens in each District of Haryana, proper functioning of Infirmaries set up under section 35 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and proper functioning of SPCA's at every District along with Police power to selected animal rights activist.



Most speaker were in agreement that, “Touted as ‘Guru Dronacharya Ki Pavitra Nagri’ on government websites’ and as ‘Cybercity’ to MNCs, Gurgaon is witness to daily, large scale abuse, illegal slaughter and trade in animals. The massacre is in open violation not only of several sections of the law and the Constitution of India, but every acceptable norm of human behaviour. This cannot be allowed to go on”.



“We hope to remind society and local regulators of the hallowed Indian tradition of respect for all life and for mother nature. Sadly, these cultural and religious values which our ancestors abided by and which are the lifeblood of Indian civilization, are being rapidly eroded” they said.



With its rich inheritance of flora and fauna, Gurgaon , is uniquely positioned. It is the duty of all citizens to ensure this “millennium city” does not descend further into corruption, crime and ignorance.



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