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Photo: K. Ananthan

Garnering support Ingrid E. Newkirk

“It is no longer an accepted norm to paint animals. They are beautiful the way they are,” replied Ingrid E. Newkirk, president and co-founder of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and author of 50 easy ways kids can help animals.

Questions and answers on animals follow from an audience of children and adults soon after the launch of her book at Oxford Book Store on Trichy Road. “When you see elephants taken out on streets for begging, combat, speak up and protect the animals,” she tells them.

One of the 50 easy ways is to pass on the book to a friend or library after you have finished it, and inform PETA about what you are doing to help animals ( info@petaindia.org).

Ingrid wants to focus on children and tell them how they can help animals in their everyday lives. “Grown-ups are easily distracted towards making money and doing business. I am working at the roots. Children have an eye on to the world around them,” she states.

She explains why it is important to involve children in this movement. “It paves the way for a lot of good things. Once they start looking after animals, they go vegetarian, which is very good for their health. And, they become responsible.”

About children, she says “They are great and enthusiastic. We are telling them to form groups in schools to speak for animals. Adopt a dog in your school, promote a vegan diet and choose carefully when shopping for cosmetics and household products to make sure they have not been tested on animals and don’t include animal ingredients. Don’t buy leather bags.”

The good way to begin is to ‘say something’ when you see animals being treated cruelly. For instance, if your town is planning events that include a circus with animal acts or horse rides, write to the newspaper and city officials. “Everybody should act. Not just a handful of organisations. They can’t just wield a magic wand and bring about a change. When we saw a snake charmer we told him that it is illegal, confiscated the snake and the scorpions and took action immediately,” says Ingrid.

PETA has been reaching out to schools and institutions through a number of outreach programmes on various issues. Banning plastics on campuses is just one of them.

“There have been instances where plastic bags have been removed from the stomach of dead cows. This especially happens during weddings and other celebrations, where plastics are strewn all over and the animals begin to feed on them,” says N.G. Jayasimham, PETA’s campaigns co-ordinator.

The organisation has raised its voice against using animals in political rallies too.

“Donkeys, painted with the names and symbols of opposition parties and taken in a procession is also a form of cruelty to animals,” he adds.

How do schools strike a balance between academics and social responsibilities, someone wanted to know. “Times are changing. And, the attitude of educators is also changing and they are more supportive.”

And, when people fail to empathise with animals, feel sorry for them. Because, their brains are under-developed, smiles Ingrid. “Recently, a study found that there are components called ‘mirror neurons’ in our brain, which form the seat of empathy. You understand and relate to the feelings of others only when this area is well developed,” she explains. Her message to children — “Animals are your friends. Don’t eat them. Don’t wear them.”

For children

Carry the numbers of local organisations such as People for Animals (99945-77255)

Report abandoned animals

Provide all details (location, street name and landmark)

Ask local shopkeepers to monitor the animal until the help arrives

Form groups in schools, and adopt pets

Wear T-shirts with the slogan, ‘Prevent cruelty to animals’

Watch animal films

Learn more about animals

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