Animals need love too!

Can the Residential Welfare Associations (RWAs) ban people from feeding animals residing in a colony?

There is no law in India that prohibits people from feeding stray animals. No RWA or any other general body can legally ban people from feeding animals residing in their colony, nor can they frame or amend bye-laws in a manner that contradicts the laws of the country (even if there is a general consensus). In fact, under the article 51A of the Indian Constitution, it is the fundamental duty of every citizen of India to have compassion to all living creatures and, therefore, such associations would be meddling with the fundamental freedom guaranteed to all India citizens – "freedom to choose a life they wish to live".

However, they can designate exact feeding spots instead of letting the animals be fed all over the place. This is good for the dogs and for the residents.

How can I be trained to provide first-aid to an animal in distress?

The best way to learn is to visit a local vet or animal shelter and work during the weekends or the holidays. For instance, my shelter, Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre (SGACC), India's oldest and Delhi's largest all-animal shelter, offers free training and internship opportunities. Get this book, First-Aid for Animals, authored by Gautam Grover and me. For more information, visit People for Animal's official website or visit the link provided below: https://www.peopleforanimalsindia.org/first-aid-for-animals.php.

As an animal lover why can't I just be vegetarian and not vegan?

Vegetarianism is an intermediate step. It reduces the animals that are killed. But the milk and egg industry – which is what vegetarians take part in, is equally massively cruel. And, both lead to animals being killed for slaughter after they have stopped giving milk and eggs. Also, it does not help in bringing down the slaughter. If an animal is grown for milk/eggs, then obviously it will go for slaughter. Therefore, both these industries – which contribute massively towards global warming, floods and desertification – should be avoided. It is difficult to be vegan because milk and eggs hide in so many products – sweets, baked foods etc. But once a large number of people become vegan, pollution can be contained.

Will a plant-based diet increase the levels of protein deficiency in the human body?

The recommended protein for the human is about 8 gms a day. Any more than that affects the kidneys. Which is why meat eaters have such a large percentage of kidney problems. Vegan diets are more than capable of fulfilling these requirements – soy and quinoa are thought to be sources of complete proteins. Beans, lentils, tofu, nuts (peanuts, almonds etc) and green and leafy vegetables are all protein-rich plant-based sources. Even a potato is capable of providing protein nourishment.