Zunheboto/Wokha, January 29 (MExN): As part of the Animal Welfare Fortnight, a livestock show was organised by the Department of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry in Zunheboto and Pughoboto in their respective local grounds during the Republic Day celebration on January 26. It was sponsored by Government of India, National Livestock Mission (NLM) 2015-16.
Chief Veterinary Officer Zunheboto, Dr. Toshi Aier in a press release informed that cash prizes were awarded to the first, second and consolations winners in each category of the animals. During the occasion, anthelmentics, panacur, vitamins, tonics and mixtures were also distributed free of cost to 380 individuals in Zunheboto and 160 individuals in Pughoboto.
Under NLM sub mission, Fodder Production 2015-16, two selected progressive dairy farmers were each given electrically operated chaff cutter machines and cash for construction of silo pits and maize seeds for fodder production.
In Wokha, a team of doctors and staffs from the Department of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry celebrated the Animal Welfare Fortnight by conducting various activities. Poultry exhibition cum competition was held on January 26 coinciding with Republic Day celebration, where various poultry birds like Turkey, White leghorn, Kuroilers, Local/ Desi birds brought by local poultry farmers were put up for exhibition. Attractive prizes were given away to the winners.
Animal health awareness camp was also held where de-wormers, vitamins, mineral mixtures for livestock, leaflets on information on cattle, piggery, cattle rearing, care of pet dogs were also given away to the local farmers, informed a press release. The team was led by Dr. Ben Meren, Chief Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Officer, Wokha. The members comprised of Dr. Apilo Kikon, Deputy Director, Dr. Mhonlumi K. Tsopoe, Farm Manager, Chick Rearing Centre, fifteen field staffs and animal attendants.
Also commemorating the occasion, the department visited Mount Tiyi College on January 27 and held a talk with the students and teaching faculty. Dr. Abeni, Principal, in her welcome address highlighted the importance of creating awareness about animal care and welfare. Introductory speech on Animal Welfare Fortnight was delivered by the CVO, Dr. Ben Meren. Dr. Mhonlumi K. Tsopoe delivered a lecture on issues relating to Humane treatment of animals, Prevention of cruelty towards animals, Protection of Wildlife and their habitat, etc. She further encouraged the students on formation of Animal Lovers, Kindness Group and Clubs. Meanwhile, she mentioned about the welfare of animals enshrined in the Indian Constitution: “It shall be the fundamental duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the Natural Environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for all living creatures.”
