In an ideal world, our pets are family members, always by our side, bringing joy and comfort. However, in places ravaged by war such as Ukraine and Palestine, a pet’s life becomes a journey of survival, full of challenges and uncertainties.
Pets, such as caged dogs, cats and birds, are defenseless beings amid the absurdities experienced during armed conflicts. They do not understand the complexities of war, but suffer the consequences of fear, pain, hunger and death. Around the world, millions of pets are trapped in war zones, facing precarious situations that threaten their lives and well-being.
However, what is even more distressing is that the protection of civilians, including pets, is often overlooked in conflicts. This leads us to a fundamental question: why are governments at war unable to respect civilian lives?
In the current war between Israel and Hamas that targets Palestinian civilians, in a short time, more than a thousand children are fatal victims, pets are incalculable and all this nonsense is just the beginning of more tragedies that leave lives terrified forever.
Pets in the midst of war
War is a chaotic and dangerous environment, and our loyal furry friends suffer from this reality in different ways:
Abandoned
Many families are forced to flee their homes amid attacks, and their pets are often left behind, not because they want to, but out of necessity for survival. They find themselves lost, abandoned and unable to find adequate food and shelter.
Food and water shortages
In war zones, supplies are scarce, in the case of the current conflict, Israel cut off all supplies of food, water, energy and other fuels, (violating the basics of global human rights) generally countries at war give priority to human needs, but this has not happened, the last records of isolation needs were during the wars in Vietnam and Hitler’s Germany. This genocidal initiative leaves the population very vulnerable and together with their pets they struggle to find the minimum to survive amidst the constant physical risks of gunshots, explosions and debris resulting from attacks.
Stress and trauma
As with humans, the stress caused by war affects the mental and emotional health of pets. They suffer from trauma and anxiety due to the loud and constant noise of explosions and gunfire.
The protection of civilians in armed conflicts
Violation of human rights and neglect of the protection of civilians in armed conflicts are profound concerns that challenge the international community. However, governments and actors involved in wars often do not fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law, which makes the United Nations, UN, appear powerless and useless, but it has a fundamental role and direct influence on politics. of stopping attacks and peace commitments.
For those who don’t know what the UN is
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 to mediate international relations, harmonize the actions of nations towards common objectives, act for global development and guarantee peace.
Why does it happen? There are several reasons why the protection of civilians, including pets as mandated by the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights, is often neglected in war zones.
It is essential that the international community does not lose its ability to recognize the importance of protecting human civilians and their pets.
Humanity and compassion must not be lost during war. We must remember that, in the midst of conflicts, the protection of all living beings, regardless of species, is a responsibility we all share.
