Kazheto Kinimi, Zhaleo Rio and others during the State level workshop on strengthening animal welfare in Kohima on March 19. (Morung Photo)
State level workshop on strengthening animal welfare held
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 19
Nagaland Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Advisor Kazheto Kinimi today stated that the department is focusing on strengthening of animal welfare through the State Animal Welfare Advisor Board, Nagaland (SAWAB-N).
SAWAB-N is a statutory body of the Government of India established as per the direction of the Supreme Court of India that it is mandatory for all the states to constitute State Animal Welfare Advisory Board and the District Societies for Prevention of cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Addressing the state level workshop on strengthening animal welfare at de Oriental Grand, Kohima, organised by AH & Veterinary Services, Nagaland, Kinimi informed that the Government of Nagaland had constituted the SAWAB-N which is under the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) for promoting animal welfare and for the protection of animal rights from being subjected to unnecessary pain and suffering.
These institutions promote humane treatment of animals and encourage citizens to build a compassionate society where humans and animals coexist peacefully.
“We encourage farmers and youth to participate in livestock and dairy farming. With improved veterinary care, better breeding programmes, and modern technology, livestock farming can provide sustainable employment and boost the production of meat, milk, and eggs in Nagaland. However, the success of these initiatives depends not only on the government but also on the cooperation of the people,” Kinimi said.
Every citizen must understand that animal welfare is a shard responsibility, he said adding that proper feeding, shelter, vaccination, and humane treatment of animals must become a part of our daily practice.
The Advisor called upon the people to work together to create a future “where animals are treated with dignity, farmers prosper through livestock farming, and Nagaland becomes a model for responsible and sustainable animal welfare.”
‘Prioritize animal welfare’
AH & Veterinary Services Director Dr Imomanen Tzudir said that “It is time for a paradigm shift in the way humans interact with animals-for their benefit and more so, for the benefit of us, humans.”
It is reported that almost 1/5th of the global population is involved in livestock production or the processing and marketing of food of animal origin.
Since the dawn of civilization, human communities have interacted with animals, using them for food, clothing, traction and labor, Dr. Said adding that “Annually, over 80 billion terrestrial animals (chicken, duck, pig, goat, cattle & turkey) are raised and slaughtered for human consumption.”
This is without counting the number of aquatic animals farmed and slaughtered for consumption. Animals also form a critical and unique source of income, transport, protection, recreation and companionship, he said adding that the pivotal role of animals in maintaining the ecosystem is also an undeniable fact.
In this, Dr Tzudir said, “The right approaches to welfare of animals will promote their natural behaviours which again will enrich their natural environment.”
By prioritizing animal welfare, we contribute to harmonious and sustainable relationship between humans, animals and the environment, he said adding “Thus, maintaining a balance between utilizing them and respecting their welfare has become a matter of great concern for all the stakeholders.”
Animal welfare revolves around PCA Act in 1960
Dr. Ilang, Organizing Secretary, Workshop on Animal Welfare said that the Animal Husbandry and Dairying sector immensely contributes to the nation's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and because of the huge contribution, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt of India had focused that animals in the country should be treated well and taken care of.
He said that animal welfare revolves around the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, to treat the animals with care and compassion.
Dr. Ilang said that Animal Welfare applies to all kinds of animals, pets, farm animals wild animals and even animals used in research.
Animal welfare means ensuring that animals live a good quality life and are treated with care, compassion and comfort which comes under 5 Freedoms-Hunger, Discomfort, Pain, Fear and to express normal behaviour.
He said that the wealth of a country is seen by the way the people treat and care their animals. Accordingly, the Parliament enacted the PCA Act in 1960.
Role of ULBs in promoting animal welfare
Talking on “Role of Municipal and Town Council in promoting animal welfare,” Lanuakum, Deputy Chairperson, Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) said that animal welfare is not only a legal obligation but a reflection of a humane and progressive society.
“The way we treat animals is closely linked to public health, environmental sustainability, and the overall quality of life in our towns and cities,” he said.
He said that Nagaland Municipal Act 2023, particularly Chapter VI, clearly entrusts Municipalities and Town Councils with the responsibility of Preventing cruelty to animals.
This mandate is further strengthened by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, a landmark legislation enacted to prevent infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering on animals and places responsibility on owners and caretakers to ensure the well-being of animals.
With such responsibilities on our shoulders, the Urban Local Bodies must act with clear purpose and direction. Our role encompasses the promotion of public health, sanitation, and safety, while also ensuring responsible animal ownership and humane care, Lanuakum said.
This includes: systematic registration, vaccination, and identification of animals and pets, prevention of nuisance, cruelty, and disease transmission, regulation of breeding and population control and establishment of effective enforcement mechanisms
Sharing the experience of the MMC, he said that the Council has enacted the MMC Dog Registration and Proper Control of Dogs Rules and Regulations in 2017.
This initiative was built on a strong foundation of consultation and community participation, he said.
Over 2,200 dogs were registered and nearly 1,900 dogs were successfully vaccinated
Since then, the MMC has continued to organize annual Anti-Rabies Vaccination campaigns every September in alignment with World Rabies Day.
Maintaining that outcomes have been encouraging, he said “There has been Improved cleanliness and better control over the uncontrolled roaming of stray dogs, which often scavenge in waste disposal areas and contribute to public nuisance and disease spread.”
Importantly, hospital records indicate a noticeable decline in severe dog bite cases and related fatalities, highlighting the direct impact of these measures on public health, he said.
Later, Advocate Sapu Jamir talked on “The Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960” in the technical session. Session on “Roles & Challenges in promoting animal welfare” was moderated by Dr. I. Pihoto Khala, Rtd director AH &VS Nagaland. The panellists included; Dr. C. Ithika Swu, senior consultant, Wagging Tails, Dimapur, Eunice Lotha, Member, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Dimapur and Imleesen, Noah’s Ark.
