Street animals deserve empathy and care like other living beings, and awareness among people is necessary to stop animal abuse, said speakers yesterday at a discussion.

“In our society, there's very little sensitivity towards animals; it [abuse of street animals] can only end if we are vocal about the issue,” said noted actress Jaya Ahsan while speaking at the programme.

She urged all to be protective and sympathetic towards animals.

RobinHood the Animal Rescuer, a volunteer group, organised the programme at the auditorium of Bangladesh Mohila Samity in the capital to ensure the rights of stray animals.

Councillor (ward-1) of Dhaka South City Corporation Wahidul Hasan Milton said superstitions exist among people regarding animals, as many consider them as unclean and ominous.

“However, the scenario has changed, as culling of stray dogs has been stopped for the past six to seven years,” he said.

Stressing on the need to show empathy to animals, veterinary surgeon of Bangladesh National Zoo Luthfor Rahman said bus drivers commit accidents as they don't even care for human life, let alone the life of animals.

Emphasising on building awareness on the issue, office secretary of Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB) Rudro Rasel said a higher level of awareness can help stop animal abuse.

Founder of the organisation Afzal Khan, elaborating on the future plan regarding the organisation, said he would like to set up a hospital for animals. He also called upon all to treat street animals with empathy.