Established in 2003, HSI Asia is the newest member of Humane Society International. Some of the world's last rain forests are located in Asia, as well as many of the last remaining members of near-extinct species. As such, this is the front line in many of the worldwide efforts in animal protection, and this is where HSI Asia works to protect the region's unique biodiversity.
Asia is under tremendous pressure as intensive farming systems, new and crude, rapidly become the apparent future of agriculture in the East. At the same time, livestock and wildlife are repeatedly wiped out by virulent viruses that are not yet fully understood. SARS and avian flu are prime examples. Since 2001, HSI has led the way for farm animal welfare in Indonesia through the introduction of, and training in, humane handling, transport and slaughter of livestock.
Companion animals in Asia are also in a precarious situation. They are caught in a fad culture where pets have become a status symbol, yet dog and cat consumption remains the norm in many Asian countries. Issues such as responsible pet ownership, control of stray/street animals, and the use of dog and cat fur in manufactured items, all of which have been successfully addressed in Western countries, are still in their infancy in Asia. Western concepts and programs can serve as models, but must be adapted and tailored to the myriad cultures that inhabit Asia.
Even before the formal incorporation of HSI Asia, Humane Society International had worked with animal welfare groups in China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Japan and other parts of Asia to address many of these issues. HSI Asia is carrying forward this work.
Contact Information
Rahul Sehgal, Manager
INDIA
E-mail: rsehgal@hsi.org
