GANDERBAL, SEPTEMBER 24: Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, who is also the Chairman of the District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), today chaired a meeting of the District SPCA at the VC Room, Mini Secretariat Ganderbal.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the functioning of the District SPCA and took stock of measures for prevention of cruelty to animals and promotion of animal welfare in the district.
The DC directed that any instance of cruelty to animals shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with the applicable provisions and stressed the need for prompt reporting and necessary action in all such cases. He called for close coordination among the Animal Husbandry Department, Municipal Council, Wildlife and other concerned agencies for timely intervention.
The Deputy Commissioner further directed that injured, sick or distressed animals be provided immediate veterinary treatment and that feasible shelter facilities in the vicinity be identified and made available wherever required for their safe care and rehabilitation.
He also directed the Animal Husbandry Department to mobilise rapid veterinary response teams for timely intervention in cases requiring urgent medical attention, rescue or treatment. The teams were directed to coordinate with the concerned agencies for prompt response to such cases.
The DC specifically reviewed the issue of stray dog management and directed the Municipal Council Ganderbal to undertake systematic identification and capturing of stray dogs for their rehabilitation, vaccination and sterilisation under the Animal Birth Control programme. He directed the Animal Husbandry Department to immediately operationalise the ABC Centre and ensure that vaccination and sterilisation operations are undertaken there in a timely manner.
The Deputy Commissioner further directed all concerned stakeholders to ensure urgent compliance with the prescribed ABC guidelines and called for close coordination between the Municipal Council and Animal Husbandry Department for effective implementation of the programme.
The DC stressed upon the Municipal Council and Animal Husbandry Department to strengthen coordination regarding stray and abandoned animals and ensure appropriate arrangements for their rescue, treatment, shelter and rehabilitation.
The Deputy Commissioner also emphasised the need for public awareness and sensitisation regarding responsible treatment of animals and directed the concerned departments to undertake awareness activities among local communities and other stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, Divisional Forest Officer, Sindh Division, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Ganderbal, Range Officer, Wildlife, Ganderbal, Chief Executive Officer Municipal Council Ganderbal, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Ganderbal, besides other concerned officers.
