Seminar organized on the Implementation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Animal Welfare Act 2024

A seminar was organized at Serena Hotel, Peshawar, in collaboration with the Livestock Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Brooke Pakistan on the implementation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Animal Welfare Act 2024. On this occasion, experts discussed various aspects of the KPK Animal Welfare Act 2024, the implementation strategy, and the importance of animal welfare.

Importance of Animal Welfare and Role of Working Animals  

Additional Secretary Livestock Niaz Muhammad Khan specially attended the seminar and appreciated the cooperation of all stakeholders. He said that the implementation of the Act will be ensured. Director General Livestock Extension Dr. Asal Khan highlighted the government’s commitment to ensure high welfare standards across the province. He said that the Act would strengthen disease control measures and expand veterinary healthcare, which will strengthen the livestock sector and increase export opportunities.

Syed Naeem Abbas, Advocacy Manager, Brooke Pakistan, highlighted the role of working animals in Pakistan’s economy and the importance of legal protection for horses. He stressed increasing investment in animal care, structured regulations, and welfare support programs for working animals.

International Animal Rights Day History and Difference from Animal Welfare

Dr. Aftab Ahmed Awan highlighted the importance of the seminar. A presentation was given by Dr. Gulshad of Brooke Pakistan, which highlighted the important role of NGOs in animal welfare. He emphasized that the KPK Animal Welfare Act 2024 is a major step towards achieving animal protection in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Animal Welfare Act and Implementation Challenges

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed shed light on various aspects of the Act in detail. He highlighted the need for capacity building and awareness campaigns to ensure effective implementation of the Act.

Dr. Fawad discussed the challenges faced in policy making and implementation. He said that collaboration between different sectors is very important to make the Act effective. Dr. Asad Ali Shah made important recommendations while discussing the economic and environmental impacts of improved animal welfare. He emphasized on disease control, prevention of cruelty, and provision of better facilities for animals.

At the end of the seminar, it was agreed that Brook Pakistan and the Livestock Department would work together to prepare regulations under the Act and implement the KPK Animal Welfare Act 2024.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Animal Welfare Act 2024

The aim of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Animal Welfare Act 2024 is to ensure the protection, well-being, and humane treatment of animals across the province. Key highlights of the act include:

• Prohibition of Cruelty: The act strictly forbids animal abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including overworking, beating, and abandoning animals.
• Animal Welfare Board: There will be an official body responsible for implementing and monitoring animal welfare standards.
• Regulation of Animal Care: Sets guidelines for proper feeding, shelter, veterinary care, and humane transport of animals.
• Stray Animal Management: Introduces measures for the ethical treatment and management of stray animals.
• Research and Experimentation: Regulates animal use in scientific research, ensuring ethical practices.
• Penalties for Violations: Imposes fines and punishments for individuals and organizations involved in cruelty or neglect.

Download the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Animal Welfare Act 2024

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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