Ensure no harm to animals during Holi celebrations: AWBI

Mangaluru: As the Holi festival is to be celebrated nationwide on March 4, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) appealed to people to ensure that celebrations of the festival of colours do not cause unexpected harm, stress, injury, or pain to animals and birds.Loud noises, sudden throwing of colours, water balloons, and aggressive behaviour can be frightening and dangerous to animals. Chasing or forcibly applying colours to animals is equivalent to cruelty. The AWBI earnestly appealed to all citizens to celebrate Holi with empathy, sensitivity, and responsibility. A humane celebration is not only a moral duty but also a legal obligation under animal welfare laws, the AWBI stated in a release.
Throwing dry or wet colours on animals, including pets, stray animals, and birds, should be avoided. Refrain from throwing water balloons or spraying coloured water on animals, as it can scare and seriously injure them. Ensure that pets are kept indoors or in a safe and quiet place, and help stray animals by keeping them away from crowded or noisy areas.If animals are exposed to colours or injured, gently wash them with clean water and seek immediate veterinary or animal welfare assistance. The AWBI advised celebrating responsibly by using natural colours only for humans and promoting peaceful, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free festivities. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !