North Karnataka: ‘Festival colours not for animals’

HUBBALLI: As holi fever grips the North Karnataka region, people can be spotted splashing their near and dear ones with colours. Many revellers often throw colours, in the form of powder or liquid, at stray and domestic animals like dogs, stray cattle, horses, cows, buffaloes etc.
However, these animals may suffer from allergies or blindness after getting infected with colours made of chemicals. The veterinary department has urged people not to throw colours at animals and has warned of strict action if it is done. However, animal lovers say it is not sufficient.
Somshekhar Channashetty, an animal rescuer in Dharwad, said that many people are throwing colour on animals during holi and lack of awareness is the main reason for this act.
"When I was travelling to Savadatti on Tuesday, I observed that some children were throwing colours at stray dogs. I spoke to them, convinced them not to do so. They agreed and stopped. One should note that animal skin is more sensitive than human skin. If colour enters their nasal cavity, they will suffer from respiratory issues,” he shared.
Harshavardhan Sheelavant, another animal rescuer, said that the district administration had issued a press release urging people not to throw colours on animals. “It has also said that it will only respond to reported incidents. However, the question arises: What happens if incidents are not reported? Many revellers, under the influence of alcohol, throw colour on animals just for fun.
No other citizens dare complain as they may be targeted by miscreants. Authorities should set up a WhatsApp helpline so that animal lovers can click a photograph or shoot a video to share. Authorities should ensure that complainants' names are not revealed,” he pressed.
A veterinary doctor, requesting anonymity, said that the colours being used for holi contain harmful chemicals and are dangerous even for human beings. People can manage by taking preventive measures or obtaining treatment. But none will be there to wash the coloured animals. They suffer for a long time and succumb to post-holi effects silently,” he said.
Dr Umesh Kondi, deputy director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Dharwad, who is also member secretary for the District Animal Welfare Committee, said in a press release that throwing colours on animals is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act-1960.
However, he was not available for comment on the demand for a dedicated WhatsApp number to complain about animal abuse during Holi celebrations.