03/07/2025

LYFE THURSDAY | JULY 3, 2025

24

Our dependence on animals o Take good care of pets, livestock to safeguard health, well-being of humans

T HE health and welfare of humans and animals are intertwined in many ways. Pets offer us companionship, livestock help to provide sustenance and biodiversity protects entire ecosystems. Quite simply, we need them and we need to know how to care for them properly – even livestock that are destined for the slaughterhouse deserve to exist with as little suffering as possible. Bioveterinary science While well-established in many parts of the world, it is relatively new as a field of study in Malaysia, which involves a combination of medical knowledge such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology and pathology, as well as animal care and management. Broadly speaking, it focuses on key species namely dogs, cats, horses, cows, goats/sheep, poultry and pigs, which are primarily companion animals and livestock. At its core, bioveterinary science supports the ethical and responsible treatment of animals. This also serves to protect public health by maintaining levels of hygiene and other standards that reduce environmental contamination and help prevent zoonotic diseases that can infect humans. The scope of bioveterinary sciences, therefore, is much wider than most people are aware. Bigger picture All life is intertwined – hence animal health and welfare are not just of concern to animal lovers. Much of the world continues to rely heavily on animals and animal-based products – global meat production has more than tripled over the past 50 years while the emotional connection humans have with companion animals contributes to a booming pet industry, which was valued at over US$246 billion (RM1.04 trillion) worldwide in 2023 and projected to surpass US$427 billion by 2032. This growth is also reflected locally, with over 50% of Malaysians owning pets and contributing to a 25% growth in 2022 in the pet care sector that encompasses pet care services, sales of pets and He is the author of dozens of books, on topics ranging from Buddhist philosophy and mediation, to environmental politics and the importance of love and kindness. Here, drawn from his writings, is the Dalai Lama in his own words. On hope 0 “We must never lose hope and must always maintain it if we are to meet with success in the challenges we face. With hope, we have the courage to care and the courage to act.” 0 “As our saying goes, ‘If you fall nine times, you get up nine times.’ Always remember that a bright sun awaits behind the cloud.” 0 “If a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it is not fixable,

At its core, bioveterinary science supports the ethical and responsible treatment of animals.

standards for how animals are treated. Mindsets take a long time to change, and it all boils down to education and awareness, from families to schools and society at large so we have compassion for all living things. This article is contributed by

as sustainable as possible. In addition, keeping animals healthy also helps prevent unnecessary or indiscriminate use of antibiotics, which can have repercussions on humans. Raising bar on animal health, wellness Respect for this mutual wellness needs to be instilled from a young age so that we can work towards better

seriously ill. So being a responsible pet owner and being responsible for the health and well-being of your fellow human beings is a complete circle. In another example, livestock management that prioritises animal health reduces the risk of disease and culling. Managing livestock efficiently and ethically is essential for food security, which is critical in many countries, so it is important to make it

veterinary services. When you work to ensure animal health, you are also working to ensure environmental health and by extension, ensuring human health as well. Owners have the responsibility to deworm their dogs and cats – this is because infected animals can shed parasitic eggs in the environment. This can put humans at risk, especially children in playgrounds, who could get infected and become

IMU University School of Veterinary Medicine dean Prof Dr Malaika Watanabe.

Life lessons, wise words from Dalai Lama then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.” On life non-believer, who wishes to live a happy life.” On politics TIBET’S spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, feted by leaders across the world, has over decades penned a plethora of life lessons.

0 “If we recognise our shared humanity, recalling the welfare of one depends on the welfare of all, I truly believe we can find a peaceful resolution to even the most intractable conflicts.” 0 “One clear lesson we know from history is this: if you keep people permanently unhappy, you cannot have a stable society.” 0 “Nations and countries belong to their peoples, not to their governments. No matter how enduring or powerful they might seem at any given time, governments will come and go, but the peoples will always remain.” 0 “We must stand up against injustice. Non-violence does not preclude taking a firm stand and expressing our opposition in a forceful way.”

0 “What matters most is what we do with our short life. If we live our life divorced from our shared humanity, embroiled in discord and division, and causing harm, what a waste of our precious life!” 0 “I believe the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. That is clear.” 0 “As social beings, we seek connection with others and find joy through them. There is no such thing as my own independent interest separate from others, because our well-being is interconnected with the well-being of others.” 0 “Compassion and concern for others are the keys to human survival. They are relevant to anyone, whether believer or

Dalai Lama attends a Long Life Prayer offering ceremony at the main Tibetan Temple in McLeod Ganj, near Dharamsala. – AFPPIC