Govt re-constitutes Animal Welfare Advisory Board
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MAY 22
The Goa government has re-constituted the State Advisory Board for Animal Welfare in the State of Goa under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Animal Husbandry) which is mainly to ensure that the provisions for prevention of cruelty to animals are implemented by the government.
The 19-member body includes Conservator of Forests, Director of Municipal Administration, Director of Panchayats, Director of Animal Husbandry, Dy Director of Dept of AH & VS, The Under Secretary (AW II), Representative of Animal Welfare Board of India, Norma Alvares, The Representative of People for Animals, Representative of Goa Animal Welfare Trust, Bansai, Cacora, Curchorem, Representative of International Animal Rescue Centre, Assagao, Bardez, Representative of Goa SPCA, Torda, Salvador-do-Mundo Representative, PAWS, St Inez-Panjim, Dwarkapuri Gowseva Ashram, Tisk, Usgao, The Green Cross, Dattawadi, Mapusa-Goa, Dr Rozario Menezes, Vaddem, Vasco Ms Pravina Kerkar, Haveli, Curti-Ponda Animal Rescue Squad (ARS), Bicholim and Architect Girish Kelekar, Mardol.
According to the notification issued by Director of Animal Husbandry, P K Patidar, the Board has several functions which include to ensure that the provision for the prevention of cruelty to animals as in force in India are implemented by the Government properly giving special emphasis to amended provisions under sub-section (1) of Section 38 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, to under take study of problems if any faced for effective implementation of such law from time to time.
It also has to advise the Central Government in framing rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (59 of 1960), with a view to preventing unnecessary pain or suffering to animals generally and more particularly when they are being transported from one place to another or when they are used as performing animals or when they are kept in captivity or confinement.
ON DESIGN: The Board would also have to advise the Government or any local authority or other person on improvements in the design of vehicles so as to lessen the burden on draught animals.
Besides, the board is required to take all such steps as the Board may think fit, for amelioration of animals by encouraging or providing for the construction of sheds, watertroughs and the like and by providing for Veterinary assistance to animals;
As an advisory function, the board will have to guide the Government or any local authority or other person in the design of slaughter-houses or in connection with slaughter of animals so that unnecessary pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is eliminated in the pre-slaughter stages as far as possible, and animals are killed, wherever necessary, in as humane a manner as possible.
UNWANTED ANIMALS!: The notification says, the board would have to take all such steps as the Board may think fit to ensure that unwanted animals are destroyed by local authorities, wherever it is necessary to do so, either instantaneously or after being rendered insensible to pain or suffering.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: The board, in addition will have function to encourage, by the grant of financial assistance or otherwise, the formation or establishment of pinjarapoles, rescue homes, animals shelters, sanctuaries and the like where animals and birds may find a shelter when they become old and useless or when they need protection.
The board also has powers to give financial and other assistance to animal welfare organizations functioning in any local area or to encourage the formation of animals welfare organizations in any local area which shall work under the general supervision and guidance of the Board.
On care of the animals, the board will have to advise the Government on the matters relating to the medical care and attention which may be provided in animals hospitals whenever the Board thinks it necessary to do so.
EDUCATION: It will have to impart education in relation to the humane treatment for animals and to encourage the formation of public opinion against the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering to animals and for the promotion of animal welfare by means of lectures, books, posters, cinematographic exhibitions and the links.
OFFICE: The office of the Board shall be located in the Office of the Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Patto, Panjim-Goa.
TERM: The term of the Board shall be three years from the date of its constitution.
The term of office of the ex officio Member shall continue so long as he holds the office by virtue of which he is such a member.
The Non Government members of the Board are entitled to sitting fees of Rs 400 per meeting, the notification said. Only one person will represent each NGO.
This Notification supersedes all previous notifications issued in this context in the past, Patidar said.
