Port Blair, Feb. 18: The Secretary for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, S N Mishra stressed the need for preserving the right environment for the well being of the animals in their natural habitat. 

Addressing the Valedictory function of the Animal Welfare fortnight at JNRM college, Port Blair on Monday,  he said Animal welfare is not only restricted to caring the animals and keeping the pet animals at our homes, but also ensuring the preservation of apt environment for the animals. He called upon everyone to prevent all sorts of deforestation activities like cutting of trees. He also emphasized that stray animals and deserted animals should also be taken care of properly.

The Animal welfare officer, Aparna Singh said India is the pioneer in establishing the Animal welfare Board as a legal entity for the protection of animals, besides enacting the Prevention of Cruelties to Animals Act way back in 1960.  Inflicting cruelty to the animals in any form is treated as violation of the said act and the offenders will be punished under the act as well as the relevant sections of IPC, she added. She also appealed to the participants to report to the concerned authority if they come across any incident of cruelty to the animals.

The Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Dr Balakrishnan also spoke on the occasion.  A large number of students from different schools and social workers attended the programme.

During the fortnight, various competitions on animal welfare including Essay, and Painting contests on the topics Compassion to the animals and the Animal – Man’s best friend were conducted for the students.  The Chief Guest , S N Mishra distributed the prizes to the winners.

The Animal welfare fortnight has begun in the islands on February, 1 last with an awareness rally and various programmes including Veterinary health camps, backyard poultry distribution, stray dogs and wild birds feeding, pet animals show etc. were organised by the department to create awareness on animal welfare during the fortnight.