Dr. Dinesh
Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 28: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Sri Vijaya Puram, organised an impressive and well-coordinated pet show at the (ITF) Island Tourism Festival Ground which witnessed enthusiastic participation from pet owners with dogs and cats of various breeds, sizes and ages. The event clearly reflected the growing awareness among the people of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands about animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, grooming and overall health care of companion animals.
More than a competition, the programme celebrated participation and the bond between pets and their owners, beautifully echoing the famous quote often attributed to Jesse Owens: “It is not winning, but taking part that matters.” The presence of calm, well-groomed cats alongside obedient and lively dogs added a special charm to the event.
The pet show was meticulously planned and executed under the able leadership of Smti. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (Animal Husbandry) and Dr. K. A. Naveen, Director, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, supported by a dedicated and efficient team. The judges deserve special appreciation, as it was a challenging task to evaluate performances when most of the pets displayed excellent grooming, training and temperament.
Adequate water arrangements, first-aid kits and veterinary support were kept ready to handle any eventuality, reflecting the department’s professionalism and compassionate approach. Pet shop owners also sponsored attractive gift items for participating dogs and cats, which served as encouragement and added to the festive spirit of the programme. The pleasant weather, following overnight rain, and live coverage by Doordarshan, Sri Vijaya Puram, further enhanced the success and appeal of this memorable event.