Malerkotla: Civic bodies asked to set up cattle pounds, kennels

The civic bodies of the region have been advised to intensify their efforts to prevent cruelty against animals. They have been asked to establish more cattle pounds and kennels to accommodate stray animals and dogs and to resume the sterilisation drive to check the increase in the population of dogs. Municipal Councils at Malerkotla, Amargarh, and Ahmedgarh were cited as focus areas in this regard.

This move would help implement recommendations of the Animal Welfare Board, and it would also lead to a decline in the number of road mishaps caused by stray animals.

The decision to augment arrangements for the welfare of stray animals was taken during a meeting of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), which was held under the chairmanship of Malerkotla Additional Deputy Commissioner Sukhpreet Singh Sidhu.

The Malerkotla Deputy Commissioner, Dr Pallavi, said authorities at civic bodies of the region had been advised to ensure that no animal, stray or domesticated, should be subjected to cruelty at any cost. She said, “Authorities at civic bodies falling under Malerkotla, Ahmedgarh, and Amargarh subdivisions have been advised to identify suitable places to establish cattle pounds and dog shelters.” She added the district-level SPCA would monitor execution of orders of the government on the subject in letter and spirit.

Pallavi said the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) had been constituted with intent to prevent cruelty to animals and ensure their welfare in an organised manner. “With intent to ensure implementation of recommendations of the Animal Welfare Board, we have been organising periodical meetings of the society that included members from various sections of society besides designated government personnel,” said DC Pallavi.

She said civic bodies have been asked to ensure all stray animals and dogs were kept at places designated as cattle pounds and kennels.