Patiala DC Showkat Ahmad Parray emphasises need for animal welfare

Patiala, July 16

Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray presided over a crucial meeting of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), emphasising the urgent need to enhance animal welfare measures in the district.

During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Parray directed the Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry, Dr Gurucharan Singh, to implement comprehensive measures to prevent cruelty towards animals. He highlighted the importance of proactive initiatives and strict enforcement of existing animal protection laws to ensure the wellbeing of all animals.

He said, “We must take the necessary steps to prevent any form of cruelty to animals. Our society has a moral obligation to protect those who cannot speak for themselves. It is imperative that we create a safe and nurturing environment for all animals.”

The construction of a new office for the SPCA was also discussed in the meeting. The DC said the new office would serve as a central hub for coordinating animal welfare activities. He said the new facility would enable society to operate efficiently and provide better services to the community.

Deputy Commissioner Parray addressed the need for an emergency vehicle dedicated to animal rescue operations. He proposed that the society provide an ambulance to Guardians of All Voiceless Animals, a local NGO, to facilitate emergency services for animals in need. He said, “An emergency vehicle is crucial for timely intervention and rescue operations. By partnering with an NGO, we can ensure that animals in distress receive immediate care and attention.”

Deputy Commissioner Parray also called upon SPCA members to encourage residents to join the society. He said, “Community involvement is key to the success of our mission. By engaging citizens in our cause, we can collectively work towards a more compassionate society and significantly improve the conditions for animals.”

Dr Gurucharan Singh assured the DC that the Animal Husbandry Department would collaborate with the SPCA to launch awareness campaigns and training programmes for the public. These initiatives aim to educate people about the importance of animal welfare and the steps they can take to prevent cruelty.

In addition to the directives, various strategies to strengthen the enforcement of animal welfare laws, increase the reach of veterinary services, and improve the infrastructure for animal shelters and rescue operations were discussed in the meeting.

ADCs Kanchan, Dr Harjinder Singh Bedi, Joint Commissioner Babandeep Singh Walia, Assistant Commissioner Manjit Kaur, DSP Sukhdev Singh, DDPO Amandeep Kaur, and members of various NGOs, along with Shaweta Jindal, among others, were present in the meeting.