Diplomat Correspondent
KISHTWAR, DD: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma today reviewed the animal welfare measures in the district and issued comprehensive directions for the prevention of cruelty and management of stray animals.
The meeting focused on strengthening the institutional mechanism for the humane management of stray animals in strict compliance with statutory provisions.
The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the prevailing situation and underscored the mandatory implementation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023, the Supreme Court’s order dated 22 August 2025 and the guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
Emphasizing coordinated and time-bound execution, the Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to work in close coordination for the effective implementation of these guidelines.
The MC authorities apprised the Deputy Commissioner that feeding spots for stray animals have been designated within the municipal limits and the installation of signages is underway. The Deputy Commissioner directed to notify the spots to avoid public inconvenience while ensuring humane treatment of animals.
The Tehsildar, CEO MC and CAHO were asked to identify suitable state land for the establishment of roadside animal shelter sheds. Stress was laid on early demarcation and formal handing over of the identified land to the Animal Husbandry Department.
The Police Department, Municipal Council, Animal Husbandry Department were asked to organise joint public awareness programmes, with the involvement of NGOs. “The campaigns shall spread awareness about the prevention of animal cruelty, benefits of sterilization, importance of designated feeding spots, penalties for cruelty, and the display of IEC material at bus stands, markets, schools, and other prominent public places,” the DC directed.
The Animal Husbandry Department was directed to establish a full-fledged Animal Shelter-cum-ABC Centre on the already allotted 10 kanal state land at Village Dool. The facility would be equipped with an operation theatre, post-operative care wards, vaccination and feeding zones and infrastructure for systematic record-maintenance.
The Deputy Commissioner further directed that the Animal Husbandry Department, in coordination with the Municipal Council, shall ensure the humane lifting, transportation, sterilization, vaccination, tagging, and re-release of all stray dogs at their original locations strictly in accordance with Rule 11 of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. He also emphasized the creation of a dog-friendly and humane environment, including temporary resting areas and safe zones.
The CAHO Kishtwar, CEO Municipal Council Kishtwar and ARTO Kishtwar were directed to ensure smooth logistical support and strict regulatory compliance.
The meeting was attended by CEO MC Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal, ARTO Tasleem Wani, DFO Mahesh Thakur, DSHO, Dy. CEO Masood Ahmed Qazi besides other senior officers from concerned departments and Staff.DD
