Principal Secretary Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon today reviewed the Animal welfare and protection activities in J&K here at a meeting.The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Housing and Urban Development, M. Haroon, Additional Commissioner Jammu, Rakesh Kumar Srangal, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation, Pankaj Mangotra, and representatives of various animal welfare organisations. Commissioner SMC Khurshid Ahmad Sanai and officials of Animal Husbandary department Kashmir participated in the meeting through video conference.The meeting discussed the implementation of Prevention of cruelty to animals Act 1960 (Central Act). It also discussed the status of implementation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme for stray dogs and issues related to it. Implementation of central rules regarding transportation of Livestock and Action plan for rescuing the stray animals in distress in towns and cities were also on the agenda of the meeting.During the meeting, Samoon reviewed the status of dog shelters within the limits of Municipal Corporations of twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu. He directed for construction of additional dog shelters in a time bound manner so that the menace of stray dogs is reduced.
Dr. Samoon, while stressing on Action plan, for rescue of stray animals in distress in towns and cities, directed that mobile dispensaries and clinics for on spot treatment of animals injured during accidents on highways should be made available in a short time.The Principal Secretary also took stock of transportation of livestock to J&K. He directed the concerned officials to ensure that livestock is transported with proper facilities and care. He further stressed on implementation of central rules regarding transportation of Livestock in J&K.The Principal Secretary also took stock of facilities being provided at Gaushala here at Amphalla. He asked the officials to create ample space for creating all the facilities under one roof. He also directed them to identify the land for establishment of modern abettors in the city.Samoon directed officials to inspect the dairy units on regular basis across J&K so that quality products are produced there. He stressed on increasing the marketability of these products by improving its brand status among the general public.Regarding the ABC programme, Samoon was informed that around 15-20 canines are managed on daily basis in Srinagar city alone. He exhorted upon the officials to accelerate the process so that a desired number of animals get treated under the programme in a short span of time.