Dog Killing, Animal Welfare and TNVR Program
Dog Killing, Animal Welfare, related Departments and TNVR. Trap, neuter vaccinate and release is the option for dog population control. Local Government and Livestock Department my collaborate for neutering and spaying. Furthermore, Veterinary educational institutes may join.
کتوں کا قتل، اینیمل ویلفیئر، متعلقہ ادارے اور ٹی این وی آرمضامینِ نو، ڈاکٹر محمد جاسر آفتاب
انڈس ہسپتال کے ریبیز فری پاکستان پروگرام کی کامیابی کی عالمی جریدے میں سٹڈی شائع
آوارہ کتوں کا حل ; کتا مار مہم; کے بغیر ممکن
نیوٹرنگ اور سپیئنگ کے حوالے سے معلومات، جانوروں کی آبادی کنٹرول کرنے کے تکنیکی طریقے
For the past few months, voices for animal rights have been organizing, but due to legal complications at the administrative level, there has been a continuous process of shifting responsibility from one institution to another.
Of course, this is a very broad topic, but some of the most important issues include the killing of stray dogs. Along with this, the purchase and sale of pets, large animals roaming on public roads, and crimes related to pets are also major concerns.
Strengthening SPCA
Although all these issues can be addressed more effectively by making the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) active in all provinces, increasing its capacity, providing adequate funding, and updating the relevant laws according to modern requirements, it should be understood that this can be a lengthy and difficult process because of its administrative linkage with the Finance Department.
It should also be recognized that in a country where even basic human needs remain unmet, animal welfare often struggles to receive policy priority. Consequently, progress usually remains limited to meetings and committee formations.
One practical solution could be systematic collaboration between the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and other relevant institutions.
Provincial Institutions Must Work Together
Since, after the Eighteenth Amendment, institutions responsible for animal health function at the provincial level, solutions must also come from provincial governments.
Provincial livestock departments generally consider their primary responsibility to be limited to livestock production animals. Therefore, dogs and cats rarely become a departmental priority, and additional responsibilities in this area are usually avoided.
However, it should also be remembered that veterinary hospitals operated by livestock departments have traditionally treated all kinds of domestic animals living alongside humans. Therefore, these departments cannot completely detach themselves from issues relating to companion animals.
Coordination Can Resolve Most Animal Welfare Issues
Where there is genuine intent, most animal welfare issues can be resolved through effective coordination between the district administration and other institutions. Even legal complications can be addressed if administrative cooperation exists.
A Tehsil-Level Animal Welfare Committee
A committee should be established at the tehsil level under the chairmanship of the Assistant Commissioner. The committee should include representatives of the Livestock Department, SPCA, local administration, Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122), and animal welfare organizations.
The activities of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals should be expanded to every tehsil. Veterinary Officers and Veterinary Assistants already working under the Livestock Department at the tehsil level should be attached to this system wherever required.
The committee should supervise all matters relating to animal welfare, while its administrative coordination should remain with the head of the Livestock Department at the tehsil level.
Monitoring Pet Shops and Working Animals
The staff attached to the SPCA at the tehsil level can implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in pet shops alongside their routine professional duties. Some challenges may arise in larger cities, where assistance from the district administration may also be required.
The same staff can also work for the welfare of working animals. Instead of focusing primarily on fines, greater emphasis should be placed on public awareness and veterinary treatment. Similarly, local administrations can issue warnings to owners who allow their animals to graze on green belts along major roads.
Dog Killing and TNVR
The most important issue remains the management of stray dogs.
The tehsil-level committee should ensure that all housing societies are prohibited from killing stray dogs through the local government. Likewise, the administration should stop the routine practice of dog culling.
Local governments should allocate animal shelters where cleaning and maintenance remain the responsibility of the tehsil administration, while veterinary treatment should be provided by the Livestock Department.
With support from welfare organizations, students and volunteers from schools and colleges can also participate in feeding and caring for sheltered animals.
Implementing TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release) against Dog Killing
Under the Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (TNVR) program, responsibility for capturing stray animals should rest with the tehsil administration, while vaccination and neutering should be carried out by the Livestock Department.
Since the responsibility for controlling stray dogs primarily belongs to local governments, funding for vaccination under the TNVR program should also be provided by the local administration.
The Role of Veterinary Educational Institutions to control Dog Killing and TNVR
In cities where veterinary educational institutions exist, their services should be utilized for neutering programs. Students should also participate in caring for animals housed in shelters, while animal shelters should also be established within these institutions.
In districts without veterinary educational institutions, one veterinary hospital should be designated to perform neutering procedures. Veterinary Officers attached to the SPCA, along with other veterinary professionals, should receive proper neutering training through veterinary educational institutions.
Training Rescue 1122 for Animal Emergencies
Rescue 1122 personnel should receive training in providing first aid to animals injured in road traffic accidents and other emergencies.
Public awareness should be created at the tehsil level so that people know they can contact Rescue 1122 in case of an injured animal.
Initially, philanthropists or local administrations may provide loader rickshaws or other suitable vehicles to Rescue 1122 for transporting injured animals.
Pet Registration Can Help Prevent Crime
To prevent pet theft and other crimes involving companion animals, a voluntary pet registration system should be introduced at the tehsil level through SPCA representatives, allowing pet owners to register their animals.
A Pilot Project Can Lead the Way
Initially, such a coordinated animal welfare system can be introduced as a pilot project in one district. Based on its success and practical experience, the model can then be expanded to other districts across the country.
