Sri Vijaya Puram, July 25: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, conducted a Workshop-cum-Webinar on ‘Partnering for Animal Welfare and Sterilization (P.A.W.S)’ today at the TGCE Auditorium, Sri Vijaya Puram with active participation from across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through hybrid mode.
The program was graced by Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Secretary (Rural Development, PRIs & ULBs) and Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, as the chief guest, in the presence of Smt. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (AH&VS), Shri Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi, IAS, Secretary, SVPMC, Shri S. Boominathan, Up-Adhyaksh, Zilla Parishad, South Andaman and Samiti Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti, Prothrapur.
In his keynote address, Shri Arjun Sharma emphasized the importance of community-driven responsibility in animal welfare and advocated for inter-departmental collaboration for effective stray animal management. He said, “Sustainable solutions come not just from Departments, but from people. It is our collective duty to ensure the humane treatment of animals while safeguarding public health.” The chief guest launched IEC materials and posters related to P.A.W.S. initiatives during the session.
Earlier, Smt. Pallavi Sarkar gave a brief introduction about the initiative ‘Partnering for Animal Welfare and Sterilization named PAWS’ explaining the need for integration of different stakeholders at a common platform for efficient planning and utilization of resources. She outlined the various steps being initiated to achieve 100% sterilization especially in Tourist frequented areas.
The Secretary, SVPMC spoke on the preparedness of the Council in stray dog control and requested all the Gram Panchayats to replicate the same in their constituencies. The participants were welcomed by the Director (AH&VS) and a short video on P.A.W.S. initiative was screened. The vote of thanks for the inaugural session was proposed by Dr. Ajay Verma, SVO (Joint Director), AH&VS.
Speakers from reputed animal welfare organizations, including Blue Cross of India, Mission Rabies, WVS Taskforce, and the Animal Welfare Board of India, addressed topics such as humane education, stray dog population control models, ethical frameworks, and animal welfare laws. Key insights included: “Education is the foundation of compassion” (Shri Samaran Thamarai, Blue Cross of India); “Stray dog management must be data-driven, scalable, and rooted in empathy” (Dr. Mihir Mazagaonkar, Mission Rabies); “Humane methods like CNVR are scientifically proven and ethically sound” (Dr. Anahita Kumar, WVS); and “Laws are moral responsibilities of society” (Ms. Prachi Jain, AWBI). An interactive session addressed participants’ queries.
The program saw participation from PRIs, Veterinary Officers, and tribal leaders across districts, including Diglipur, Mayabunder, Rangat, Hut Bay, Nicobar, Kamorta and Campbell Bay, via hybrid outreach centers. The AH&VS Department acknowledges the contributions of all officials, speakers, and participants, reinforcing the Administration’s commitment to a humane, scientifically informed approach to animal welfare.