Deputy Commissioner Reasi Nidhi Malik today chaired a meeting of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to review and strengthen animal welfare initiatives in the district. During the meeting, DC held a detailed discussion on the establishment of a veterinary facility and shelter home for sick and injured animals in collaboration with People for Animals Public Policy Foundation and Vantara.
The proposed facility will serve as a one-stop center for treatment and rehabilitation, ensuring comprehensive care and shelter for animals in need A parcel of land belonging to the Animal Husbandry Department at Parathal village (Serwad), Tehsil Katra has been selected for the project.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the department to expedite the setting up of the veterinary hospital on the site. She further highlighted that the facility will be constructed, managed, and operated by People for Animals Public Policy Foundation and Vantara.
During the meeting, a new SPCA Committee was also constituted in line with the latest guidelines. As per the new structure, the Deputy Commissioner will serve as the Chairperson, the CAHO as the Member Secretary, with the ACR and all SDMs as members.
Ms. Malik emphasized that while the SPCA’s role is particularly critical in Katra, given the extensive use of horses and mules during the Yatra, its mandate must extend to addressing animal welfare across the entire district.
DC Nidhi Malik also instructed officers to conduct a comprehensive performance review of all cow shelters operating in the district, including those situated on state lands and present a detailed status report in the next meeting.
Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner directed officials to submit a financial audit report of the SPCA, covering its existing funds and overall financial status, in compliance with prescribed guidelines and bylaws. The meeting was attended by SDM Katra Piyush Dhotra, DySP Vishal Singh Jamwal, Tehsildar Katra, CAHO, EO MC Katra and other concerned officers.