Sheep theft woes: Kullu DC promises swift action, support

Kullu Deputy Commissioner (DC) Torul S Raveesh held a meeting with Himachal Pradesh Wool Federation Chairman Manoj Thakur to address the rising incidents of sheep and goat theft in the district, along with other challenges faced by local rearers.

The DC assured that the Animal Husbandry Department would actively follow up on police reports filed in theft cases, noting that many rearers lack the time and resources to pursue legal action themselves. Any delay in response, she emphasised, would be escalated directly to the district administration. To strengthen security, she also announced intensified night patrolling and stricter checks on vehicles transporting livestock.

Rearers were further advised to obtain a transport permission certificate from their nearest veterinary dispensary before relocating animals to avoid complications during inspections.

As part of his two-day visit to Kullu and Manali, Chairman Thakur also reviewed the autumn sheep-shearing programme in the Hamta region of Prini, Manali. He held detailed interactions with several rearers, including Raj Kumar Langha (Palampur), Raj Kumar (Kandbari), Barfi Ram (Bandvihar), Vishan Das (Spedu), Deshraj (Spedu) and Kanhaiya Ram (Asanpatt).

Reaffirming the government’s commitment under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Thakur said the administration remains focused on improving the livelihoods of sheep rearers through progressive and empathetic policies aimed at increasing income, fostering self-reliance and strengthening the rural economy.