It is really painful to see an animal being mistreated and different countries have their own different ways to deal with animal abuse.
Here are some of the countries from around the world that are best for animals to live in.
1. Austria
The Austrian Animal Welfare Act 2004 equates the importance of animal life to that of human life.
Austria is considered one of the best countries for animals all over the world. The Austrian Animal Welfare Act 2004 suggests that the protection and well being of animals should be held to a value that is equal to humankind. The anti-cruelty law, one of Europe’s harshest, bans pet owners from cropping their dogs’ ears or tails, forces farmers to uncage their chickens, and ensures that puppies and kittens no longer swelter in pet shop windows.
Violators are subjected to fines of $2,420, and in cases of extreme cruelty they could be fined up to $18,160 and have their animals seized by the authorities.
2. Switzerland
Switzerland became the first country with a provision to protect animals’ dignity.
Switzerland is a leader in improving the living and working conditions of animals. In 1992 Switzerland became the first country to constitutionally recognize animals, with a provision warranting the protection of ‘the dignity of the creature’. Activities that are deemed degrading to the dignity of animals are forbidden here by law.
The Swiss government also recognises some animals as social animals and orders them to be kept in pairs. Stopping a dog from barking is also considered illegal here and pet owners are required to attend classes to learn to take care of their pets.
3. United Kingdom
UK’s Animal Welfare legislation has strict penalty of a 51 week jail term for cruelty and negligence of animals.
The Animal Welfare legislation of UK has stricter penalties for both cruelty and negligence of animals. Punishments include a lifetime ban from owning pets, a 51 week maximum jail term, and fines amounting up to £20,000.
4. Germany
In Germany, animals are protected by the Constitution.
The German Constitution reads, “The state takes responsibility for protecting the natural foundations of life and animals in the interest of future generations.” Germany thus became the first country in the European Union to give animals constitutional protection.
5. Netherlands
Netherlands prohibits use of great apes for experiments as well as testing cosmetics
The Animal Welfare Act of Netherlands features anti-cruelty and duty of care provisions that also include farm animals. The use of great apes for experiments is prohibited as well as testing cosmetics on animals as per the EU Animal Welfare Rules.
6. Sweden
Sweden grants legal protection to her animals – both, wild and domestic.
In Sweden, the slaughter of domestic animals must be done following sedation of the animal. Swedish animals live in much enriched environments as compared to other countries. Also, the cattle and pigs in Sweden must be fed straw and the dairy animals should be allowed to venture out for grazing during summer months.
7. Denmark
Animal protection laws in Denmark don’t allow slaughtering of animals.
Animal welfare laws in Denmark were recently modified to take precedence over religion when the country declared that it won’t allow live slaughtering of animals. Their Animal Welfare Law also has specific provisions for farm animals.
8. Hong Kong
A fine of 200,000 dollars is imposed for violating animal protection laws in Hong Kong.
The animal welfare laws in Hong Kong govern the welfare of food animals, companion animals, and laboratory animals. Cruelty can be inflicted in the form of abuse, neglect, inappropriate transport, and fighting. Those found violating the law are liable to a fine of 200,000 Hong Kong dollars and imprisonment for three years.
While India too has several laws in place for protection and welfare of animals, much still needs to be done for their right understanding & implementation.
If you want to learn more about animal welfare and contribute, check out a list of NGOs that you might want to be a part of.