UNSEEN VICTIMS: Animals, people and war
War casualties are most often measured in human lives. We are not accustomed to thinking about the suffering that such wars and unrest cause to animals, not to mention the overwhelming effects on the natural environment and biodiversity that come from human-driven conflicts. With no way of escaping the violence and outlying suffering, animals are uniquely caught in the midst of the storm, with no recourse to alleviate that suffering.
IFAW: Society is conditioned to accept that conflicts such as war and civil unrest will undoubtedly result in human harm. It is not, however, accustomed to thinking about the suffering that such wars and unrest cause to animals. With no way of escaping the violence and outlying suffering, animals are uniquely caught in the midst of the storm, with no recourse to alleviate that suffering. Casualties are most often measured in human lives, with rarely a mention of the often overwhelming effects on the natural environment and biodiversity that come from human-driven conflicts.
From companion animals to livestock to the surrounding wildlife, animals are an integral part of our ability to thrive as human beings. Their importance should be highlighted rather than ignored throughout the conflicts that far too often plague the world. Regardless of ecological impact, physical proximity or strategic importance, humanity must make the situation right—alleviating the suffering of those animals and returning a sense of normalcy to those lives, both human and animal, that have been disrupted. Acknowledging the profound impact of conflict upon animals is a fundamental first step toward restoring our own humanity as well…
We know that human conflicts escalate broadly with often intense consequences for the natural environment. This can also lead to increasing instances of human and animal conflict, most often manifested in a competition for space. This is not expected to subside with threats from climate change growing ever greater, as it is likely that humans will be inhabiting more and more of the same spaces as wildlife. Knowing the interconnectedness of human and animal conflict allows IFAW to plan ahead and deliver solutions that benefit both animals and people. It is critical in understanding the threats and drivers behind conflict prior to developing strategies in order to have the desired impact. There is no one-size-fits-all solution in conservation and the fundamental truth remains that animal and human conditions and fates are deeply intertwined. SOURCE…
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