English Annual Project Transcript

Maira: Good evening, I am Guntas Kaur Bhatia, and I am Maira Sharma. We are the
students of Kunskapsskolan Gurgaon and it's our absolute pleasure to interview you
today.

Guntas: Today, we delve into a topic that touches the hearts of many: animal cruelty.
With us we have Ms. Alina Alice Rusu , an expert on animal welfare. Thank you for
joining us, Ms. Alina

Ms. Alina: Thank you for having me.

Guntas: Indeed, animal cruelty is a pressing issue that has gained widespread attention
in recent years. Could you provide us with some insights into what animal cruelty
entails?

Ms. Alina: When we think about animal cruelty, we have to take in consideration that
their rights and our rights are very similar. Even though we have different species, we
exist on the same planet and we have the right to feel safe, to feel that our stomach is
full, and we have the same rights as everyone. So cruelty means to prevent a person
from accessing all these things. It is the same thing for an animal to prevent an animal
from having access to food, shelter and to emotional well-being, preventing an animal
from all these things is cruelty.

Maira: Absolutely. The emotional aspect of animal cruelty can be quite powerful, even
for those not directly involved. Have you personally encountered or witnessed
instances of animal cruelty?

Ms. Alina: So unfortunately everybody can witness them everywhere. Ofcource from the
easiest approach is to all look at a stray dog, and unfortunately cruelty is something
which is very very difficult to eliminate from our society. So its not only about homeless
animals, it is not only something which is faced by the dogs but also by the cows which
are ownerless, by the donkey, by the horses and all the animals. This is something which
everybody sees every day, if you just pay attention and it is not only that they are
ownerless and they experience cruelty but it unfortunately happens with some animals
which are being owned as pets or animals for farming and all they have owners and the
owners should be responsible for their physical and emotional well-being.
Guntas: It's heartbreaking to hear about the suffering animals endure. In your opinion,
what are the main factors contributing to animal cruelty, and how can we address them
effectively?

Ms. Alina: One of the main factors is lack of empathy and compassion towards living
beings. Once you as an individual and every single person practices compassion
towards another human being or an animal and a living creature by default, it softens
your heart and makes you even more disposed to practicing compassion on a daily
basis. By keeping days in our consciousness and being aware of the fact that we have
to be kind and to do good. We can slowly change the world around us. It starts with the
person itself.

Maira: Thank you for highlighting those important measures. How do you feel about the
treatment of animals in various industries, such as factory farming, entertainment, or
scientific research?

Ms. Alina: I believe all of these are important and cannot eliminate the use of animals
whether they’re in the entertainment industry or farming or scientific research. So these
things are important for people and for our well-being on various levels and there is
some ethical way of farming, carrying scientific projects and using animals in the
industry worldwide. There are various laws and various countries have their own laws
which are very strictly imposed or the directives which are given for the way animals are
being treated. So it is not a general behavior everywhere. In some areas animals used
for entertainment can be happy and in some other instances they can be tortured and
injured and even worse they can be killed within specific settings or environment and
the same happens within the farming.

Guntas: That's an important point. Empathy and awareness can drive positive change.
According to you, What measures can the society take to combat animal cruelty
effectively?

Ms. Alina: So when we think about society as a whole, we tend to generalize it and it’s
easier to think that they will do it, and it's difficult to think that I can do it. So the moment
when a person thinks of how I can do and what I can do for an animal and for a person
for whatever living creature it is, Then the society as a whole has higher chances of
going in the right direction. It starts from me. If I can be kind, then maybe my friends will
see and I can encourage them or I can inspire them. But it has to start from “ME”.
Maira: That's an important point. Empathy and awareness can drive positive change.
Before we wrap up, What are some future goals or projects you hope to work on to
further combat animal cruelty and promote animal welfare?

Ms. Alina: Well, Initially I promote ideas that have to start with me so whatever me as a
person can do, I will do it and even though it may start small. It’s all the love you develop
for one animal and then it just spreads around. So as a project, My immediate project or
my immediate goal is to make shelter for the stays in my neighborhood. It is a small
initiative but I believe that once more of my neighbors get involved, then these poor
animals might have a chance.

Guntas: That’s actually a great initiative! Thank you, Ms. Alina, for sharing your expertise
and insights on this critical issue. We hope this discussion will inspire us as individuals
and the Kunskapsskolan community to take action and be more compassionate
towards animals.

Ms. Alina: Thank you too!