Celebrating World Veterinary Day: Guardians of animal health and welfare

In a world where animals play an indispensable role in our lives, whether as companions, workers, or sources of sustenance, the significance of veterinary professionals cannot be overstated. World Veterinary Day stands as a tribute to these unsung heroes dedicated to the health and welfare of animals worldwide. The day not only celebrates their contributions but also raises awareness about the critical role they play in safeguarding animals and public health.

The Role of Veterinarians

Veterinarians are more than just animal doctors; they are multifaceted professionals with expertise in various disciplines, including clinical medicine, surgery, pathology, epidemiology, and public health. Their responsibilities encompass not only the diagnosis and treatment of diseases but also disease prevention, food safety, animal welfare, research, education, and advocacy. Whether working in private practice, research institutions, government agencies, or non-profit organisations, veterinarians are instrumental in safeguarding animal populations and human health alike.

Established by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in 2000, the day was conceived as a means to highlight and promote the work of veterinarians globally. It serves as a platform to recognise their efforts in ensuring the health and welfare of animals, advancing medical science, and preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases. Each year, a theme is chosen to focus attention on specific issues within the field of veterinary medicine, ranging from animal welfare and antimicrobial resistance to wildlife conservation and one health initiatives. This year the theme is: Veterinarians are essential health workers.

Advancing Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is another focal point of WVD, highlighting the ethical responsibility of veterinarians to advocate for the well-being of all animals, whether domesticated or wild. This includes promoting humane treatment, preventing cruelty, and addressing the welfare needs of animals in various settings, including agriculture, research, entertainment, and captivity. Veterinarians are instrumental in developing and enforcing animal welfare standards, conducting welfare assessments, and promoting practices that enhance the quality of life for animals across the globe.

Keeping up with the spirit of live and let live, Rashi Narang, Founder-Creative Director, Heads Up For Tail Foundation (HUFT) iterates, we have been working tirelessly to foster community caregiving, and help street as well as shelter animals with resources to live a life of dignity. Apart from our on-ground activities and social campaigns to hold the spirit of reminding people of the inter-dependency we have with other forms of nature, we conduct an educational program – HUFT Kindness Squad. Under this, we give school children a valuable platform to explore and embrace the virtue of compassion, encouraging them to become responsible and empathetic global citizens of India.”

“Together, we want to create a world where every community animal has shelter, food, care, and love. And, this is only possible if we build agents of change that work for a harmonious coexistence between humans and animals,” Narang concluded.