Nagaland Governor P B Acharya today said the World Animal Day, which is celebrated on October 4, is an international day of action for animal rights and welfare and it is a day for advocacy, education, unity, involvement and raising of awareness for all of the animal issues that exist throughout the world. In a message on the occasion of World Animal Day, Mr Acharya appealed to all stake holders, government, NGOs, village councils, student bodies and civil society to come together to ''preserve our birds and animals and their natural habitat from extinction''. He said the objective of World Animal Day is to ''celebrate animal life in all its forms, celebrate humankind's relationship with the animal kingdom, acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in our lives, from being our companions, supporting and helping us, to bringing a sense of wonder into our lives and acknowledge and be thankful for the way in which animals enrich our lives.
''Though Nagaland is blessed with rich habitat for animal kingdom, every day our natural resources are being misused, our forests are being destroyed randomly, and habitats are being fragmented for roadways. Illegal wildlife trade and poaching are wiping out the entire population of animals and birds,'' he added.
Mr Acharya said the Blyth's Tragopan, which is one of the most beautiful birds among the pheasants found in India and also a state bird, is hardly seen in the wild anymore and is on the verge of extinction. Mithun, which is a state animal, is also seen only in those few breeding places.
''Through increased awareness, education and the concerted efforts of all, we can create a world where animals are always recognised as sentient beings and full regard is paid to their welfare,'' he said.
The Governor further said that it is everybody's responsibility to help protect them so their future generations can grow and thrive and, in turn, the future generations of humans can be blessed with the joy of sharing their lives with them too.
''We have to preserve our environment, trees, greenery and hills. For all animal worlds, it is necessary to preserve environment. Disturbing nature is inviting national calamity like floods, landslide, change of river course, erosion and change of climate.
''Let us live and let live our birds, animals for our symbiosis happiness and safe life,'' Mr Acharya added. UNI AS AKM RJ 1917
