AWBI asks state authorities to feed strays

Nagpur: The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has directed the local authorities to make provisions for food and water for stray animals during the lockdown.
In a recent letter to state commissioner of animal husbandry department, commissioner of police, Nagpur and district collector, the board stated, “The authorities are requested to implement the provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act , 1960, and directions of Supreme court to prevent unnecessary pain or suffering to animals.”
The board issued the letter following an appeal filed by animal activist and animal welfare office member of Nagpur Society for Prevention of Cruelty against Animals (SPCA) Karishma Galani. She, along with other animal activists of the city, has been feeding stray animals every day since the lockdown began.
With the lockdown getting extended, activists cited limitations due to shortage of ration. “We are expecting some sort of deviation and it will be very difficult for us to shoulder the responsibility. We therefore expect at least 50% of the share to come from the government in this crisis,” Galani wrote to AWBI.
Galani further requested the board to arrange for 600 kgs of wheat flour daily. “If stray dogs start dying of starvation, the possibility of an epidemic like plague cannot be avoided,” wrote Galani, stressing that the requirements can be fulfilled by the officials of animal husbandry department.
Sources told TOI a meeting was held recently between the district collector and officials of animal husbandry department and a plan will soon be formulated to ensure regular feeding of strays.