Thiruvananthapuram: As the local self-government department and the animal husbandry department gear up to revive the animal birth control programme (ABC), animal rights activists have called for the proper participation of animal welfare organisations and functioning of monitoring committees in local bodies. The state animal welfare board is likely to take a call on engaging animal welfare organizations with proven expertise in ABC programme being carried out in states like Goa. The animal husbandry department has initiated talks with such NGOs.
M N Jayachandran, animal rights activist said NGOs are the key to ensuring the success of birth control projects. “We had initiated a scheme in Thodupuzha in 2003 and it was a major success. There are court rulings about giving proper support to animal welfare organisations and local bodies,” he said. They also say that animal birth control rules mandate formation of monitoring committees which shall include chief of the local authority, a representative of the public health department of the local authority, a representative of the animal welfare department, of the local authority, and a veterinary doctor.
M N Jayachandran, animal rights activist said NGOs are the key to ensuring the success of birth control projects. “We had initiated a scheme in Thodupuzha in 2003 and it was a major success. There are court rulings about giving proper support to animal welfare organisations and local bodies,” he said. They also say that animal birth control rules mandate formation of monitoring committees which shall include chief of the local authority, a representative of the public health department of the local authority, a representative of the animal welfare department, of the local authority, and a veterinary doctor.
It should also have a representative of the district society for prevention of cruelty to animals, at least two representatives from NGOs and a representative experienced in animal welfare. LSGD has recently issued a set of guidelines for the local bodies to revive ABC programme in the state.