Animal welfare volunteers barred from taking photos on SPCA premises

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has banned photography and videography inside its premises. The SPCA has issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for its volunteers. The SPCA is the only government-run veterinary shelter in the UT for dogs and other animals.

Many animal lovers and city-based volunteers visit the SPCA to serve injured animals. The guidelines were issued by the Honorary General Secretary, SPCA-cum-Medical Officer of Health, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, on November 21 and copies have been sent to authorities concerned for necessary action.

It has been stated that the guidelines aim to define roles, responsibilities and expected conduct of volunteers associated with the SPCA; maintain transparency in fundraising and expenditures; encourage volunteers and NGOs to contribute positively while complying with applicable laws and departmental regulations; and prevent misuse of SPCA’s name, resources and premises.

The SOPs apply to all registered volunteers of the SPCA Chandigarh, all NGOs and their members/representatives associated with SPCA and any individual or organisation undertaking animal welfare activities within SPCA premises or in Chandigarh under the SPCA’s jurisdiction.

Every volunteer, NGO and their representatives must register with the SPCA before undertaking any activity. Volunteers will be issued a temporary volunteer ID card for six months, which must be worn at all times. Unregistered volunteers or NGOs are strictly prohibited from participating in any SPCA activities.

Volunteer activity timings have also been fixed. Feeding of dogs within SPCA premises must be done only after prior approval from SPCA’s veterinary doctor. Food quality, quantity and diet must match the health status and nutritional needs of each dog. Overfeeding, feeding unapproved food or feeding without vet clearance is strictly prohibited. If a volunteer facilitates the adoption or release of a dog, they will be responsible for the animal’s proper care and must submit a written undertaking pledging full responsibility for the dog’s welfare.

As per the guidelines, all volunteers must deposit their mobile phones, cameras, tablets or any other recording devices at the reception before entering the premises. The SPCA will provide locker facilities under CCTV surveillance; volunteers must bring their own lock and key. Items can be collected before exit after proper logging in the register.

The SPCA will release a quarterly report of funds collected and utilised for public transparency, mentioning contributions by volunteers/NGOs on whose reference donations were received and used for animal welfare.