animal welfare is often overlooked in Indonesia. Most people are still unaware of their work to protect animals and care for the planet we inhabit. non-profit organization (NGO) Garda Satwa Indonesia (GSI) brings this issue to light through tireless acts of animal rescue and adoption.
When you take a walk in the streets of Jakarta or elsewhere in Indonesia, we often find stray dogs and cats in unsanitary conditions. It is also common to find cases of abused animals because of a lack of understanding and compassion, or to put it simply, a sense of humanity. This tragic reality GSI motivated to take charge.
"In the beginning we were just a group of people who care for animals and have been involved in several cases of animal abuse, but just being involved was not sufficient. We needed actions. Therefore, GSI was established to achieve our mission of taking care of animals, especially pets, "says founder Davina Veronica.
Veronica admits that awareness of animals remains a minor problem for Indonesians because many people still live below the poverty line and focus on food. in addition, animal welfare policies are rarely recognized and the government is not doing enough to educate the public and to find solutions to these problems, such as building more shelters for animals. All this ultimately results in neglecting to keep the animals safe from harm.
in fact, many people in Indonesia challenge issue the importance of providing care for the animals while the basic human needs are not yet met.
"Many people think," Our lives are not yet prosperous, why should we think about the rights of animals? '' Deplores Veronica But she believes that our existence on this planet should not only be concerned with our own well-being, but also that of animals and nature -.. Quite aim which is known as the "balance of nature"
the idea of this balance between ecologists and environmentalists usually refers to the obligation to protect nature and biodiversity in order to maintain the ecological systems in a stable equilibrium. Veronica's views echo the notion, that the planet and all living things on it are the responsibility of man, and when they become threatened or extinct, there should be no one to blame but humanity.
Garda Indonesia Satwa save an abandoned dog
"extinction is permanent. But we must not take the discussion hitherto [to see the damage it can cause], "Veronica said." Let's take an example. Dogs and cats abandoned in the streets can carry viruses and bacteria such as rabies, toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis can be contagious to humans. If their health and welfare are maintained, these viruses pose no threat to us. Humans are those who play a role in controlling it. "
To help protect the welfare of animals in Jakarta, GSI provides rescue services for animals and adoption, with their main refuge located in Tangerang, Banten. Since their arrival in 2014 GSI has saved nearly 300 animals and saw 78 people become adopters of animals need homes. the adoption process, according to Veronica, is extremely strict, since most animals in their shelters are abused by the previous owners. therefore, the NGO manages the selection process very carefully.
First, GSI identifies potential owners by visiting and interviewing the members of the house. Then, prospective owners must complete a form and sign an adoption agreement. If they match the criteria GSI seeks, then the candidates will come to the shelter and meet their future pets. throughout the adoption process, organization can also check on the animals adopted to ensure they are in good hands. If animals are found to be abused, then GSI is entitled to take pets with them and prosecute owners. Veronica reinforces the idea that communication with owners is crucial to ensure the conditions of the animal having been adopted.
rescued dogs away from Garda Indonesia Satwa
Aside from adoption, GSI also help raise awareness about the welfare of animals visiting schools and universities, promoting the campaign through social media, and holding events which include public figures to further attract the masses to participate.
The journey to achieve well-being of animals is not easy. It requires an understanding that humans hold the key for it to happen and that animal abuse is indeed a criminal act. The main objective of GSI is for people to understand this fact.
"Our biggest dream is to not take in 1000 animals, but that the facilities as we will need to exist in the future because people really understand that it is their responsibility as human beings to ensure that animals are treated well, "Veronica says.
For this reason, we should all pay attention to the message GSI and other animal protection organizations are trying to spread. Maintaining animal protection is a vital role that everyone should take to maintain a healthy balance in a world we all inhabit. Without the will and commitment to play our duty, this vision will forever remain a fantasy.
For more information and how you can help, please visit www.gardasatwaindonesia.org