30th Dec 2023
Once upon a time, in the land of Saudi Arabia, there existed a rich cultural heritage associated with camels. Camel festivals were celebrated with great passion, reflecting the lives of the Gulf people since ancient times. These festivals had become an important economic resource for many camel breeders, who considered these majestic creatures as the backbone of their lives. The festivals were not only a showcase of their beauty but also a way to honor their heritage.
Among the camels, there were strict beauty standards. The camels were admired for their natural beauty, with long eyelashes, a regal posture, and a graceful neck. The size and shape of their humps, the length of their ears, and the shape of their nose were all important factors in determining their beauty. The camels also had curly hair, which added to their charm. They were the epitome of grace and elegance in the desert.
However, there were some who resorted to maiming and torturing the camels in the name of cosmetic surgery. These illegal practices distorted and tortured the animals, causing immense pain and suffering. Some would link the ancestral lip until it hung, inject the nose with silicone, and use narcotics and ointments in the lips. Cutting the throat area and using calming drugs were also common practices. The prices for these cosmetic surgeries varied, with camel baths costing around one hundred Saudi riyals, while shaving exceeded two hundred riyals. The ear miniature and lip blowing operations could cost over 1,000 riyals.
Thankfully, responsible ownership was promoted through education and advocacy. Instead of harsh penalties, workshops, awareness campaigns, and access to resources empowered owners to make informed decisions for their camels' well-being. Building bridges between camel owners, veterinarians, and animal welfare experts became the focus. Open communication and a shared commitment to ethical practices paved the way for positive change.
A solution was found that focused on positive reinforcement. Instead of preventing people from their professions or livelihoods, responsible practices were encouraged through incentives and rewards. Exploring alternative income streams that aligned with ethical camel care became a more constructive approach. The camels' well-being became the priority, and their natural instincts and needs were catered to through animal-centric enrichment activities. Open spaces, socialization opportunities, and activities based on their natural behaviors were introduced. It was a future where the welfare of camels was given the utmost importance.
