As much as there is awareness about animal welfare and being treated with as much respect, there have been several cases coming to fore about animal cruelty. Today in fact, there are more cases of brutality towards animals and horrendous videos are shared on social media, which put humanity to shame. But a surprisingly welcome change has been announced by the Punjab and Haryana High Court by declaring all animals as a legal person. The HC accorded the status of "legal person or entity" to animals in Haryana, granting them the "corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of a living person". This exceptional decision was given by Justice Rajiv Sharma. Hyderabad Animal Cruelty: 4 Puppies Burnt Alive While Sleeping in Garbage Dump; 3 Dead, Other Seriously Injured.

Justice Sharma was earlier a part of a bench in Uttarakhand High Court and passed a similar ruling declaring all citizens as guardians of the animals. In this year's ruling, he said that animals and birds have legal rights like humans and declared citizens the "guardians of animal kingdom". He said they have a duty to ensure their welfare and protection. The Bench also fixed upon a load to be carried by animals and banned them from pulling vehicles in extreme conditions.

He also demanded against the used of spike sticks, harness or yoke with spikes, knobs, projections and any other sharp instruments which could cause any kind of bruises or swelling to them. Moreover, he also directed the police to ensure the carts were driven in a 'right way'. The use of animals was restricted to nine hours and not more than 5 hours without a break. He gave about 29 mandatory directions for the welfare of the "animal kingdom." Animal Cruelty in Mumbai: Cases of Dogs Being Poisoned, Beaten to Death on the Rise in the City.

He mentioned, "Cruelty caused psychological pain to them and agony should not be caused to the animals. They breathe like us and have emotions. They require food, water, shelter, normal behaviour, medical care and self-determination." He stressed on the need to show compassion as they cannot speak. He signed off the verdict with the "live and let live" motto. He calls for justice for animals and we totally agree. We hope this decision is passed across all states and strict action is taken against those who choose to treat animals otherwise. This landmark judgment is a great hope for all animal lovers too.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2019 07:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).