JAY JOSHI
India is a land of festivals, and Goa is preparing for the one of the biggest festivals of the season: Holi. India is also a land of animals. We show a lot of love and concern for animals,from pets to strays, and many a times, enthusiastic people playing Holi might seek to make the animals too a part of the fun. It may look to be fun from our part, but it may not be so for the animals. Experts and activists warn that coming in contact with colours can be considerably harmful for animals, and awareness needs to spread about the same.
“Over the past few years, the use of chemicals in making colours has increased a lot. They are affecting humans in many ways and certainly affect the animals” states Rajendra Desai, a member of NGO Krutarth Mardol, which has undertaken the work of creating awareness about the issue since 2017. “The issue might have a particular aspect with stray dogs. They live in packs and recognise each other through smell. Colouring a dog’s skin can alter its smell, which can lead the creature to be ostracized form the pack,” explains Desai.
“Animals do not have advanced layer of epidermis the way humans do. Hence, colours lead to cases of dermatitis in animals” informs Dr MV Jitin, a veterinary doctor from Porvorim. “ It can lead to rapid hair-loss, and even blindness. Also, animals might try to lick the colour off, but end up ingesting the harmful chemicals. This develops into gastritis and if the amount of colour swallowed is high, it can lead to fatal poisoning,” states the veterinarian. Ingestion of colours can also lead to vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, sneezing, coughing, discharge from nostrils, excessive thirst.
Festivals often give rise to deep trust issues among stray dogs. These creatures first have a friendly approach towards humans, but when humans throw colours, or burst crackers play drums, the animals are terrified, underlines Dr Jitin. With manufacturers attempting to produce colours that last longer and have smoother texture, the issue has become even more serious, warns the veterinarian, stating that in recent years, acrylic colours are also being used as a part of Holi. He further adds that in Goa, the situation regarding animals is better as compared to the rest of India, and families give bath to their pets or animal-lovers from the locality will protect stray animals.
It may also be noted that throwing any harmful chemical or substance on animals is punishable under Section 11 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
