The Social Implications of Improved Animal Welfare 43Case Study 10 – A country at war – conflict often breeds disasters, especially
for animals (by Gerardo Huertas, World Animal Protection). (Image credit: ©
World Animal Protection/Tomas Stargardter.)
Long sections of the border between a country suffering civil war and its neigh-
bours had been planted with landmines during the Civil War. The country is not
named here due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
Landmines are war devices that remain active for years, a risk to all living crea-
tures regardless of their species. They are hidden in the ground; vegetation grows
and covers any sign of them; and, sometimes, torrential rain moves them to dif-
ferent areas, mainly down slopes. These devices continue to kill innocent victims
for years after the conflicts have been resolved.
Many rural families fleeing the war headed towards a neighbouring country
and, in trying to do so, took their animals (horses and cattle) with them, as the
only assets that could run with them.
Once these families reached the dreaded minefields, they were faced with the
dilemma of crossing with their animals, thus increasing the risk of setting one
landmine off exponentially, or leaving them behind, and venturing through the
‘death fields’ by trying to tread in the steps of those who had made it to the other
side successfully. ‘Every time I have been near or at a minefield the feeling is the
same: a giant hole in the stomach, the fear of not knowing what to do, how to
step, how to spot them’ (anonymous refugee).
Most times, these would-be refugees left their animals tied to trees at the edge
of the minefields. After a few days, the desperate animals would start eating the
bark of the trees they were tied to, and eventually starve to death.
Local peasants also tried to scare their own pet dogs away but, if they refused
to leave, tried to carry them in their arms through the minefields, to prevent them
from joyfully following behind and endangering everyone.
The history of these desperate folk and their dying animals was picked up by
the local media and, as the government of their country of destination had no
jurisdiction over the territory of the country at war, an animal welfare organiza-
tion took action and arranged a rescue expedition.
Rescuers were able to travel through safe routes to free the surviving horses and
cattle, and to carry them safely to the neighbouring country.
This case study highlights how war can affect the innocent, both human
and animals. ‘I witnessed even worse patterns in other post-war situations,
where dairy farms or livestock pastures were being planted with landmines,
or homes with pets inside were booby-trapped to target civilians’ (an-
onymous refugee).
Farm animals are essential assets for the livelihoods of civilians who own them
and should be off-limits, not only to support livelihoods but also because they are
sentient beings. ‘Warfare is indeed a nasty type of disaster organized by men that
often aims at farm and companion animals as civilian targets’ (anonymous
refugee).
Increasing the understanding, relief and protection of livestock as essential as-
sets for the livelihoods and well-being of those who own them is key, but it is also
important to recognize that animals and the environment are undeserving victims
of human conflict.
Continued