Board constituted for animal welfare

GANGTOK, 19 Jan: The State government has constituted a State Animal Welfare Board for Animal Welfare under the chairmanship of the Minister, Animal Husbandry. The primary function of the Board is to frame regulations to prevent “unnecessary pain or suffering” to animals particularly when they are being transported or used in performances and kept in confinement.
The Board is to frame appropriate regulations on transportation and marketing of animals [including pets and birds], on their breeding and maintenance in lab conditions. The regulations will also cover controlling stray dog population, rabies, meat shops etc.
It will also advise on the design of slaughter houses or in connection with the slaughter of animals to prevent unnecessary pain and suffering of animals, physical or mental in the pre slaughter stages; the animals are to be killed in as humane a way as possible.
With its main concern being the amelioration of the conditions of the animals the State Board will encourage for the construction of sheds, water troughs etc and also by providing Veterinary assistance to animals.
The Board is to ensure the enforcement of the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and to undertake a study of the problems on the effective implementation of the law. The board will also advise the central government in framing rules under the above mentioned Act with a view to prevent undue suffering of animals.
By grant of financial assistance there will be formation of rescue homes, animal shelters, sanctuaries and the like for animals and birds when they become old and useless or when in need of protection. Financial assistance will also be provide to animal welfare organizations and they along with the government will be advised on matters relating to medical care and attention to be provided to animals.
Finally the Board is also to promote education in relation to the humane treatment of animals and animal welfare and encourage the formulation of public opinion against cruelty to animals.
The 16 member Board also includes the Mayor, Gangtok municipality, Chairman, Namchi Municipal Corporation, the Chief Secretary, Secretaries of UD&HD, Animal Husbandry, Forests, RMDD and other officials.