Advisor, AH&VS, Khazeto Kinimi with officials during the SAWAB-N meeting held at his Office Chamber, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, November 18 (MExN): The State Animal Welfare Advisory Board Nagaland (SAWAB-N) held its 7th board members meeting in the Office Chamber of Advisor, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) and Chairman of SAWAB-N, Khazeto Kinimi at Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima on November 18.
As pet the DIPR report, the meeting was convened under the chairmanship of AH&VS and Chairman SAWAB-N Khazeto Kinimi to review the ongoing initiatives and chart the way forward for strengthening animal welfare mechanisms across the State of Nagaland.
Advisor, Khazeto Kinimi in his opening remarks called for collective responsibility in fostering a compassionate society that values animal welfare. “Let us work together to create a world where animals receive the respect and care they deserve, and where humans and animals coexist in harmony,” he said, urging members to translate discussions into practical and actionable measures for the State.
Kinimi mentioned that SAWAB-N is a statutory body constituted under the directive of the Supreme Court to ensure that all States establish State Animal Welfare Boards and District Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) as per the PCA Act, 1960. The Board functions under the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to safeguard animal rights and prevent unnecessary suffering, he added.
Also highlighting on District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (SPCAs), Kinimi informed that while most districts in Nagaland have constituted their SPCA, the newly created districts including Niuland, Chümoukedima, Tseminyu, Noklak, Shamator and Meluri are yet to complete registration under the Societies Registration Act.
Highlighting on the national efforts Kinimi said that the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MAHD) has designated January 14 to February 13 every year as “Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare Awareness Month” to promote modern livestock management and animal welfare practices. He added that all States have been instructed to upload monthly activity reports to the official national dashboard.
Kinimi stated that the Government of India has also extended financial assistance for 2025-26 under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) for capacity building in Nagaland. As part of the initiative, a State-Level Dog Show will be organized during the Hornbill Festival featuring cash awards and gift hampers to encourage responsible pet ownership, community participation, humane treatment of animals, and scientific breeding practices.
Board to reinforce ban on open animal slaughter
Initiating the discussion hour, Dr Ilang, Joint Director AH & VS drew the Board’s attention to the earlier resolution on various issues including banning roadside slaughter of animals for human consumption, particularly citing unhygienic practices still prevalent in Dimapur and Kohima.
Despite the ban, open slaughter continues unchecked, he noted.
The Board expressed serious concern and unanimously decided that a fresh official order must be issued by the Commissioner of Nagaland to all District Administrations, directing them to immediately stop illegal roadside open slaughter of animals.
Also discussing of the ban of import of sale of dog meat in the state, Dr Ilang said that ban, issued on July 4, 2020 by the Chief Secretary, had prohibited dog markets and the sale of cooked and uncooked dog meat. He however clarify that Gauhati High Court has quashed the Nagaland Government’s 2020 order that banned the commercial import, trade, and sale of dog meat in the State, effectively allowing the trade to resume.
On budget allocation, the Board also decided to revise the budget allocation proposal to ensure adequate funding for the State SPCA and to incorporate the newly created districts, enabling uniform implementation of animal welfare activities across Nagaland.
Dr Ilang also requested the President of Nagaland Tourism Association to support the dissemination of animal welfare awareness in emerging tourism destinations, noting that such collaboration will help promote responsible tourism and give greater visibility to animal welfare initiatives in the State. The house also deliberated in length on other important issues including Wild Life Act and post creation at Zoological Park in Dimapur and SPCA animal shelter house Dimapur.
Various Board members presented updates on their respective departmental activities and contributed valuable views and suggestions to strengthen animal welfare initiatives across the State.
Earlier, Commissioner & Secretary, AH& VS Vikeyie Kenya, IAS welcomed the board members and the meeting concluded with words of gratitude by Director, AH & VS, Dr. BM Sunep with a renewed commitment to enhance animal protection, wildlife conservation, and institutional strengthening across Nagaland.
Advisor for Geology and Mining, W. Chingang Konyak and Department officials of Municipal affairs, KMC, SPCAs, AH & VS, Tourism and forest attended the meeting.
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