HC gives green signal for tail docking, ear cropping of pet dogs

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/hc-gives-green-signal-for-tail-docking-ear-cropping-of-pet-dogs/article4456192.ece

Docking the tail or cropping the ears of your pet dog does not amount to mutilation and cannot be treated as cruelty to the animal, the Madras High Court has ruled.

The court also ruled that neither the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) nor the Veterinary Council of India has any authority to prohibit registered veterinarians from performing tail docking and ear cropping of certain breeds of pet dogs such as Doberman, Cocker Spaniel, Great Danes and Boxer at the request of their owners.

Allowing a writ petition filed by Kennel Club of India (KCI), Justice D. Hariparanthaman quashed a notice issued by the veterinary council on November 11, 2011, directing all registered veterinarians in the country to stop forthwith the practice of performing the two surgical procedures on pups. The notice had warned the veterinarians of stringent action if they were found to be continuing the practice.

It was issued on the basis of a letter written to the council by the AWBI Chairman who had opined that the surgical procedures cause mutilation and therefore amount to violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act 1960.

The chairman had also claimed that many countries including the United Kingdom had banned the two surgical procedures.

Assailing the notice, KCI contended that the two surgical procedures actually make the dogs look good and stay alert besides preventing ear infection and injuries on the tails.

Further, drawing an analogy, the petitioner club said that the chairman’s view was akin to declaring as illegal the act of people choosing to perform circumcision and piercing the ears and noses of their newborn children.

After recording submissions made by both sides, the judge said that tail docking and ear cropping would not amount to mutilating the pets and therefore dog lovers or owners could not be accused of such an offence.

Though the term ‘mutilation’ had not been defined under the PCA Act, the judge relied on the meanings found in various dictionaries to arrive at the conclusion.

Not wanting to go into the correctness of articles and books written about the two surgical procedures, Mr. Justice Hariparanthaman pointed out that the procedures were only regulated and not prohibited in the UK. The AWBI and the veterinary council had not disputed the fact that dogs belonging to the police department were also subjected to ear cropping and tail docking.

He stated that the notice under challenge was bad in law as the AWBI’s statutory role was restricted to advising the Centre. It was up to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests to give effect to the advice by invoking its rule making power under Section 38 of the PCA Act. But no such rule had been framed with regard to the present issue.

To make things worse, the veterinary council had issued the notice on the basis of a letter written by the AWBI’s chairman alone and not the Board as such.

“In my view, the AWBI is different from chairman… Section 9 of the Act contemplates providing of advice by AWBI and not by the chairman… Hence, the advisory of the chairman cannot be treated as the decision of AWBI,” the judge added.

Firecrackers set off to kill stray in Belapur

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-02/mumbai/33548438_1_stray-dogs-aditi-lahiri-animal-rights

NAVI MUMBAI: A stray met a horrifying death inside Rajiv Gandhi stadium in CBD-Belapur. According to activists, a firecracker explosion was set off to kill the eight-month-old dog. The stray's charred remains were found in a green room at the civic-run sports stadium on Saturday.

"A local veterinarian who examined the dog's remains stated in the report that the stray died due to serious burn injuries, a broken vertebral column and ribs," said animal rights campaigner Aditi Lahiri. "Somebody had fastened firecrackers on its body and then lit them. Several matchsticks have also been found at the spot," she added.

While Lahiri and other activists like Ajay Marathe have not complained to the CBD police, they plan to meet the Navi Mumbai police commissioner to highlight growing atrocities against animals. "The dog's carcass was first noticed by some of the students who study at the civic library near the area. We are alarmed that horrible and cruel methods were used by unknown people to kill strays dogs," said Lahiri.

Earlier, Navi Mumbai activists had complained about fatal attacks on puppies and dogs and attempts to poison animals. "Since early this year, there has been an outbreak of the dangerous distemper viral disease among stray dogs. However, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has not been able to do anything about the sick animals since there is barely any space in the dog pound, where sterilizations take place," said Lahiri.

"An RTI query revealed that Cidco had earlier given plots to the civic body in Sanpada, but this land has still not been used to take care of animals," she added

"It seems like no one is interested in animal rights in Navi Mumbai, which is why stray dogs are being blatantly killed without any fear of the law," said animal welfare officer Ganesh Nayak of NGO Animals Matter To Me.

"Around four years ago, more than 40 strays were poisoned to death in a single night in Nerul. However, the culprits were never brought to book despite a police complaint," he added.

Odisha asked to prevent cruel cattle transport

http://www.business-standard.com/generalnews/news/odisha-asked-to-prevent-cruel-cattle-transport/49754/

The Orissa High Court today directed the state government to conscientiously follow the suggestions made by Chennai-based Animal Welfare Board of India to check the perilous manner in which cattle are transported from the state. 

Asking the Director General of Police to upgrade night patrolling on National Highways, the court directed the state police to register cases under the provisions of Prevention of Cruelty (Animals) Act against the persons transporting cattle in a hazardous manner. 

Disposing of two PILs pertaining to illegal trafficking of cattle, a Division Bench of Chief Justice V Gopala Gowda and Justice S K Mishra also asked the police to rescue the cattle that are transported in an inhuman manner and seize the vehicles in which they are transported. 

This direction came in the wake of two PILs filed by social organisations — Legal Support and Social Action (Lessa) and Viswa Gosurakhshya Vahini (VGV).

The petitioners had also maintained that aged cows without being fed or provided with drinking water are transported long distances as a result some of them meet tragic end during transportation. 

They had also argued that the cattle are taken to slaughter houses in terrifying manner which violates the provisions of Prevention of Cruelty (Animals) Act and Rules governing thereof. 

Adjudicating over the petitions, the High Court had earlier asked the Animal Welfare Board of India to file details in an affidavit stating as to what steps the Board is taking to prevent such cruelty to poor animals.

Activists rescue a dog stabbed with screw driver

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Activists-rescue-a-dog-stabbed-with-screw-driver/articleshow/15563091.cms

AHMEDABAD: A stray dog bore the brunt of some anti-social persons when it was stabbed its hindquarters. The animal was howling in pain when it was rescued from CTM by a city-based animal help foundation on Sunday. The activists said that the cruelty will result into permanent walking disability for the animal.

According to Asha Animal Foundation volunteers, they got a call on Sunday morning about a stray dog in need of help.

"When we reached the spot in Shridharnagar, we were utterly shocked. Somebody had actually stabbed the dog with a screw driver in its upper thigh. The tool was stabbed into the dog's body up to the handle. The dog was limping and crying out in pain. We had to extract the pick and give it sedatives to keep it calm. We are afraid that the injury would damage the rear legs beyond treatment," said a volunteer.
The volunteers got to know from the local residents that some of the shop owners did not like the fact that the dog sat on their doorstep and might have stabbed it to scare it away.

Censor board to get more strict on animal welfare

When it comes to using animals in films, it looks like Indian filmmakers are in for even tougher times ahead. A letter from animal activist Maneka Gandhi to the Minister Of Information & Broadcasting Ms Ambika Soni has set of a flurry of activity in official quarters of the government. The letter dated 22 March 2012 from Ms Gandhi to Ms Soni clearly alleges that Bollywood film producers are "making a fool" of the Animal Welfare Board Of India (AWBI) and the censor board.

In the letter Maneka Gandhi says, "They (the producers) send a script but will not mention animal activity in India or will give wrong activity.Then when the film is shot they send the CD for approval to the AWBI without the schemes involving animals in it. The AWBI gives the NOC (No Objection Certificate) on the basis of the CD. The producer then reinstates the scenes and goes to the censor board with the NOC. These scenes are usually very violent. The censor board instead of questioning these scenes which are blatantly cruel, simply take it for granted that they have an NOC and pass the film."

The letter goes on to give the example of Sajid Nadiadwala's Housefull 2 where Akshay Kumar is seen wrestling crocodiles and a python.

Ms Gandhi also accuses some regional officers of the CBFC of "blatantly ignoring the rules." She cites the example of the Tamil film Adukulam where the rooster fights that were the film's mainstay had not been approved of by the AWBI.

The letter has triggered a flurry of debate within the censor board. A source from the censor board says there are radical changes on the anvil regarding the depiction of animals in Hindi films.

Says our source, "It will no longer be easy for filmmakers to bypass rules regarding animals. For example Nadiadwala shot the scenes with pythons and crocodiles outside India. That exempted the scenes with the animals from scrutiny and rectification by the AWBI and CBFC. The censor board is in the process of covering such loopholes."

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Censor-board-to-get-more-strict-on-animal-welfare/articleshow/13685399.cms

Animal activists look forward to legislation

The Constitution of India vide Article 51A (g) enshrines and casts upon every citizen of India the duty to have compassion for all living creatures, as a Fundamental Duty. The mute cannot complain and hence the responsibility to ensure compassionate handling of animals is greater. With this in mind, the Animal Welfare Board of India created a comprehensive draft of the Animal Welfare Act, 2011. The draft was posted on the website of the Ministry of Environment and Forests in February 2011 and suggestions and objections were welcomed. Animal lovers and activists are hopeful that 2012 will see the act come into effect.

Arpan Sharma, convener, Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations (FIAPO), said, “We have been pushing for it to be passed for some years now. We are hopeful that it will be tabled in the Parliament in early 2012.” Some of the salient features of the draft enactment are Augmenting animal welfare and well-being; strengthening animal welfare organizations and conscientious citizens who wish to espouse the cause of animal welfare and well-being; enhancing penalties for animal abuse; altering and enlarging the definition of animal abuse, in keeping with the times and in keeping with judicial pronouncements. 

“After handing in the final cut of the draft to the Ministry of Environment and Forests in July 2011, a sudden, watered down version was circulated by someone from the ministry. The AWBI’s legal committee, (which has four lawyers), protested. We will try and ensure that the AWBI-drafted law will be enacted in 2012,” explained Anjali Sharma, legal adviser and executive committee member, AWBI.

City-based Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) was one of the organizations that sent in suggestions for the draft. “These suggestions pertained to torture, animal slaughter, animal rights and much more. We sat day and night for a month to send in these suggestions and we will be happy to see at least 20 per cent of those being incorporated. We hope that 2012 will see the Act coming into force,” said Khurshid Bhathena, honorary secretary, BWC, Pune.

Awareness among people is the key to the passing of stringent laws for the welfare of animals, feels Supriya Bose, animal welfare officer, Committee to Monitor Animal Welfare Laws in Maharashtra (appointed by the Bombay High Court) and also working with the Shri Ramanaghruha Trust, Pune. “People should be sensitised to the issue and should raise their voice against blatant cruelty to animals. Then, there will be pressure for the Act to be implemented,” she said.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Animal-activists-look-forward-to-legislation/894320/

HC nod for conduct of traditional 'cock fight'

MADURAI: While uncertainty prevails over the conduct of jallikattu in January 2012, the Madurai bench of the Madras high court gave its nod to the conduct of 'cock fight', another traditional event of the state.


The bench comprising Justice K N Basha and Justice M Venugopal gave a directive in this regard to the district collector of Thanjavur on a petition filed by one M J Jahangir seeking to direct the authorities to grant permission to his association for conducting the cock fight at Thanjavur, near Vandayar Colony on December 24 and 25.

When the matter came up for hearing, the petitioner's counsel, A Arun Prasad submitted that 'cock fight' is a traditional game organised by villagers during festive seasons, every year. When the petitioner preferred a representation to the district collector, no action was action was taken till date.

The counsel further submitted that in a similar matter, a division bench had directed the authorities to grant permission imposing certain conditions in its order.

Holding that no prejudice would be caused to the authorities, the judges directed the district collector to consider the representation to the petitioner and grant permission to them to conduct the 'cock fight'.

The bench made it clear that the event should be supervised by the inspector of police, Kallamperumpur police station as well as by a doctor of the Government Veterinary Hospital at Thanjavur.

During the event, the bench said no injury should be caused to the birds and that they should not be intoxicated with any alcoholic substance. "Knives or those dipped with poisonous substances should not be tied around the legs of the birds. The veterinary doctor should ensure the same before the actual starting of the event," the bench said.

The judges also said the petitioner shall bear the expenses towards police protection as well as the expenses towards the veterinary doctor. All the terms and conditions should be followed scrupulously by the petitioner and he should file an affidavit of undertaking before the police.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-21/madurai/30542155_1_madurai-bench-district-collector-conduct

Steps to bring new bill to strengthen Animal protection Act

Chennai, Dec 1 (PTI) Efforts are on to bring a new bill to strengthen the existing Animal Protection Act and make it more stringent and deterrent. "A draft bill to this effect is under consideration" of the government, Chairman of Animal Welfare Board of India Maj Gen R M Kharb told reporters here today. 

Lauding the Tamil Nadu government's landmark regulation banning the use of bulls in 'Jallikattu' (taming the bull) in the state, he hoped that this would curb the primitive and violent game that was harming humans as well as the animals. 

Expressing concern over the merciless killing of stray dogs in the name of eradicating rabies, Kharb said NGOs like the Blue Cross were striving to save these animals by taking up sterilization drive, which has yielded positive results in places like Chennai, Jaipur and Kalimpong. This sterilization drive needed to be expanded to other cities as well, he said. 

Noting that dairy companies in countries like Australia and New Zealand were trying to replace cows which gave 'A1' variety of milk with breeds that gave the healthier 'A2' variety, he expressed concern that these A1 variety cows were sought to be exported to developing countries such as India. Realizing the importance of conserving indigenous breeds of cattle, the Board has taken up local breed improvement programmes for the Goshalas in several states, he said adding the Board was also promoting organic farming and biogas production through these Goshalas. 

In order to sensitize children on issues related to animal welfare and animal rights, the Board has urged the Ministry of Human Resources Development to include animal welfare as a subject in the school curriculum. S Chinny Krishna, Vice-chairman of the AWBI, said a training programme for dog-catchers was underway to train them to handle the stray dogs in a humane way. He recalled the efforts of the Board to prevent camel slaughter during certain religious occasions and said police were directed to register FIRs in such cases relating to cruelty towards animals.

Nagas fancy eating snakes, rats, squirrels, dogs, cats, spiders!

http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_nagas-fancy-eating-snakes-rats-squirrels-dogs-cats-spiders_1602237

The Nagas eat anything that moves. They do not even spare insects and worms. But what they relish most is the meat of wild animals. Warriors as they are by nature, the Nagas love hunting, and the meat of wild animals fills them with great delight.

Rice is their staple food, which is taken with meat. The meat is mostly pork, beef and chicken, but it can also be snakes, snails, rats, squirrels, dogs, cats, mithuns, buffaloes, deer, spiders, birds, crabs, monkeys, bee larvae, shrimps, red ants, and almost everything that is wild. Elephants included. No part of an animal is wasted — even blood, skin and intestines are eaten. Occasionally, however, they let the skin be, and use it to make shields.

“We have feasts throughout the year and no festivity is complete without meat. We rear pigs, dogs, cats, chickens and buffaloes but the meat of wild animals is always preferred,” says K Sangtam, a Naga elder. “Hunting is something the Nagas have practiced for ages and it’s a matter of pride for a hunter if he has the highest number of kills,” he adds.

There are 16 recognised tribes and a number of sub-tribes of Nagas in Nagaland. They also have a sizeable population in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and eastern Myanmar. Their food habits are different from those of other tribals in the Northeast — both in terms of the animals they eat, and the style of cooking. They smoke their meat at home over a kitchen fire and apply axone (fermented soya bean) to create a pungent aroma in the dishes. Some love their meat with anishi (a
preparation made of dried yam leaves).

‘Frog is like chicken’

 
Most meat dishes are boiled with suitable ingredients and spices. Frogs, bee larvae and insects are cooked till dry (with ginger, garlic and chilly). Snail is cooked with a lot of chillies. For dog meat, the best spices are ginger, Naga pepper and dried red chillies. Meat is also cooked with lettuce and spinach leaves. Chilly, mostly ‘bhut jolokia or Naga mircha’, and bamboo shoot are equally popular.

Not all species of dogs, frogs, snails, worms and insects are eaten. The Nagas say frog meat tastes like chicken. The

‘Wednesday Bazaar’ in Dimapur is very dear to these tribals for the array of animals, insects and worms sold here. A dog is sold (alive) for Rs500-Rs600. Frogs and (river) snails cost Rs200-Rs250 a kg. The river snails, which are very small in size, are cooked with ‘daal’ and sucked. The bazaar teems with customers every week. The sellers are mostly locals and they deal in local fruits, animals, insects, worms, vegetables, traditional utensils, garments, ornaments, handicraft items, etc. Nagas from all walks of life — some from remote areas — come here for shopping.

I remember once eating a pork dish at a friend’s place in Dimapur. He is a Sumi (tribe) Naga and an inspector in Nagaland police. The Sumis are known to cook the best smoked meat dishes with axone. So, one day he called me home for lunch. He told me he had slaughtered a pig. I had eaten pork before but had never had it with axone. Initially, I was a bit hesitant as I did not like the smell. It stank. But once I got over the smell, I relished the dish. The riceI had with the meat was equally yummy.

Women can’t eat monkeys

 
On another trip to Dimapur, I got to taste a different pork dish at the residence of a journalist friend. It was cooked with spices and the blood of the animal. Honestly, I could not enjoy it as the thought that I was drinking (or rather, eating) blood made me uncomfortable. Generally, when an animal is slaughtered, the Nagas drain the blood into a big bowl, and use it in meat dishes once it turns cold. (The blood turns into a solid, paneer-like substance once it gets cold. It is then cut into pieces and used to prepare a curry.)

The Nagas have a taboo on consuming the meat of certain animals, as they fear the qualities of the creature will be transferred to the user. “We do not allow a woman to eat monkeys for we believe that will make her extravagant,” says Joseph Sumi, a professional. Despite the taboo, a lot of Naga women eat monkeys these days. Nagas, he says, do not allow a pregnant woman to eat bear meat since it is regarded a stupid animal. Sumi adds that tigers and leopards are also not eaten because of an old belief that man, tiger and spirit were all brothers at the beginning of creation.

The Nagas also believe that the meat of wild animals, insects and worms can cure a number of diseases. “The meat of a type of kingfisher, which we call stone bird, is very dear to us. The bird eats stones and there is a traditional belief that its meat is a panacea for renal diseases,” says Francis Lotha, a university student, adding, “Frog, snails and bee larvae are eaten when one is injured (believed to quicken the healing of skin and bones), local chickens and legs of pigs are eaten during pregnancy, and dog meat is believed to be a cure for pneumonia."

Eric Angami, a scribe, claims monkey meat gives one quick relief from extreme physical weakness or lethargy. “Believe me, it enlivens you,” he insists.“The marrows of stags and wild goats are believed to heal fractured bones faster, and an earthworm is taken to neutralise the venom of a snake bite,” says P Shimray, a lover of monkey meat. He adds, “Once my mother was bitten by a poisonous snake. She was writhing in pain. But she recovered within half an hour after being administered a fluid full of earthworms.”

James Angami, a teacher, says the elders encourage the youth to eat snakes in the belief that it makes them immune to the reptile’s venom. “Our food habits haven’t changed much over the years. We love meat as much as our forefathers did. The only difference is that we’ve learnt to use spices,” says Roland Ao, who has a weakness for snails. So would he love to eat the meat of a rhino? “Oh yes,” he smiles. “But sadaly we don’t get it here.”

“Sterilized and vaccinated dogs cannot be dislocated”

http://www.theweekendleader.com/Causes/720/Animal-welfare.html

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated," said Mahatma Gandhi. World Animal Day is celebrated across the globe on October 4th, the feast of St Francis of Assisi, a nature lover and patron saint of animals and the environment.

 

In India, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) takes care of implementation of animal welfare laws in the country. It provides grants to animal welfare organizations and advises the government of India on animal welfare issues.

Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. R.M. Kharb, is the Chairman of AWBI. Kharb was appointed to the post in recognition of his outstanding contribution in the field of Veterinary Services in the Indian Army.

As Chairman of AWBI, Gen. Kharb successfully convinced the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) to introduce animal welfare as a separate subject in the curriculum of Veterinary Colleges in India.

Kharb has been instrumental in the launch of the ongoing ‘Rabies Free India’ programme in many metros in the country and has also convinced many State governments to adopt the participatory model of Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme for stray dogs.

He spoke to Rama Devi Menon on protecting animals from cruelty and the laws that can be invoked in case of violations. Excerpts from the interview.

Q. Gen Kharb, we have been witnessing several instances of animal cruelty in our daily lives. We see people beating, kicking and even killing animals, but most of us feel we are helpless to do anything or we just move away feeling sorry for the animal at the most. Are there any laws to protect animals from human torture? Could you highlight some laws that a common man can use to prevent such cruelty towards animals? 

A: The two relevant enactments are the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (Section 11), and the Indian Penal Code (Sections 428 & 429). Please always confront the people who may be resorting to unlawful, cruel acts, and lodge complaints with the police, if need be.

Some of the forms of cruelty prescribed under Section 11 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 are beating, kicking, over-riding, over-driving, over-loading, torturing, causing unnecessary pain or suffering to any animal; keeping or confining any animal in any cage or any receptacle, which does not measure sufficiently in height, length and breadth to permit the animal a reasonable opportunity for movement; and mutilating any animal or killing any animal (including stray dogs) by using the method of strychnine injections in the heart or in any other unnecessarily cruel manner.

Q. Can the public make a complaint to the police regarding animal abuse?

A: Yes, indeed. The offences set out in Sections 428 & 429 of the Indian Penal Code, and even some sub-sections of Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, are cognizable. The police can take cognizance of the same. Additionally, the Police Acts of most states contain separate chapters in respect of animal cruelty offences, and prescribe how the same have to be dealt with.

Q. Whom do you approach if the police refuses to take any action?

A: Inform us (the AWBI), or take support from local Animal Welfare Organizations/ Society for Prevention of Cruelty towards Animals/NGOs etc.

Q. Some building societies prevent residents from feeding or sheltering stray dogs even in their apartment basements or in front of the building. How can one overrule such opposition?

A: A building society is not a law enforcement agency, or a body with police powers. It cannot interfere with the rights otherwise available to citizens of India. The Rules, bye-laws, etc. of such an entity cannot differ from, or be more restrictive than any law of the land. Therefore, demand, in the first instance, to see the ‘stipulation’ in the rules or bye-laws of the society, or otherwise contained in their allotment terms, that allows them to debar residents from feeding or sheltering community dogs. If there is such a stipulation, please write to us in the said regard, so that we can take it up with them. If there is none, please stand up for your rights. (However please ensure the sterilization and vaccination of the community animals.)

Q. Can you prevent the municipality from removing vaccinated dogs from a colony?

A: If the dogs are both sterilized and vaccinated, the municipality cannot dislocate them. The Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, forbid the dislocation of sterilized and vaccinated dogs from the territories they belong to.

Q. Do you have any suggestions for people regarding stray animals in their locality since most consider them a menace? Can you suggest some humane approach?

A: India is the land of ahimsa, and all life is equally sacred. In fact, even the Constitution of India casts a duty upon every citizen to show compassion to all living creatures. This Fundamental Duty is set out in Article 51A (g) of the Constitution of India.

Q. We often see cattle bundled into trucks and being transported from one State to the other without food or water. Can a common man stop the truck and take any action?

A: Complain to the police immediately. Note the number of the vehicle. Complain to the local SPCA / local Animal Welfare Organization. Most of all, lodge a complaint with the police that the animals are/were being transported in violation of the Transport of Animals Rules.

Q. Are sports involving animals like bull fighting, jallikattu and cock fighting banned?

A: Litigation is pending in an effort to try and bring about a ban / adequate safeguard and regulation of such violent entertainment involving cruelty to animals.

Q. During festivals and some religious ceremonies, animals are often sacrificed to appease gods. Is this right?

A: No, it is not right. Around religious beliefs and ceremonies however, we have to tread cautiously. That does not of course mean that any animal can be slaughtered / sacrificed, in the name of religion. Perhaps the persons proposing to sacrifice can be asked to point out the religious text that mandates animal sacrifice as being an essential part of their religion.

Q. Most people are ignorant about the animals that can be kept as pets. Could you tell our readers what are the animals that can be kept at home?

A: The dictionary meaning of the term ‘pet’ is ‘any domesticated or tamed animal that is kept as a companion and cared for affectionately’. If indeed that is the intention, ‘companion animals’, i.e. dogs or cats are best kept as pets. It is also very important to keep in mind that a living being is not chattel, and should be kept without cruelty.

Q. The AWBI has been advocating anti-rabies vaccinations and the animal birth control program for stray dogs. How effective do you think this has been in controlling the population of stray dogs? Do you have any statistics regarding the number of States that have implemented this program?

A: The Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, mandates that for controlling stray dog population and the spread of rabies, every local authority has to sterilize and vaccinate the dogs in the manner envisaged by the Rules, and put them back at the spot they were picked up from. It can only be effective if area-wise animal birth control is implemented across the length and breadth of the country. Unfortunately, the animal birth control program is not being implemented effectively. However with effective implementation of ABC/AR programme in Chennai and Jaipur, no rabies case has been reported from these two Metros in the last two years and the population of stray dogs has appreciably declined. Therefore, the concept works provided it is implemented aggressively to achieve target of 70% of sterilization and vaccination of dogs.

Q. Finally Gen. Kharb, what is your message to people regarding the need to give a dignified life to animals, especially the homeless?

A: Respect all life and living beings, especially those that are homeless and hence disadvantaged, and show compassion for all living creatures.