Government to Revamp Animal Welfare Board Guidelines for Better Implementation

New Delhi, February 27: The central government is set to revise the outdated guidelines of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to enhance their relevance in the current scenario and ensure effective enforcement, aiming to curb cruelty towards animals.

Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, S P Singh Baghel, highlighted the necessity of spreading awareness about animal welfare and instilling a sense of legal deterrence to prevent cruelty. At the AWBI award ceremony, he emphasized animals' historical and religious significance, particularly in Hindu traditions.

Baghel presented the Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya awards, which honor individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to animal welfare and protection. He underscored the need to foster kindness and compassion towards animals while educating society on humane treatment.

"In a society where domestic violence is a concern, preventing cruelty against animals is also a major challenge," Baghel stated, adding that awareness should begin at the school level. He noted that central and state governments and State Animal Welfare Boards are actively working in this direction.

Strengthening Local Governance in Animal Welfare​

Speaking on the sidelines, Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department, confirmed that efforts are underway to modernize AWBI's guidelines to align them with contemporary needs and ensure effective implementation. She stressed the importance of greater participation from village panchayats and urban local bodies, as they are crucial in preventing animal cruelty.

AWBI’s Role in Animal Protection​

Established in 1962 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is a statutory body tasked with advising the central and state governments on animal welfare policies and preventing unnecessary suffering among animals.

Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner and Chairman of AWBI, reiterated the government's commitment to fulfilling the Board’s mandate.

Recognition for Animal Welfare Contributions​

The Prani Mitra Award was conferred in five categories, including:

• Advocacy (Individual)
• Innovative Idea (Individual)
• Lifetime Animal Service (Individual)
• Animal Welfare Organizations (Two awards)
• Corporate, PSUs, Government Bodies, or Cooperatives (Two awards)

Meanwhile, the Jeev Daya Award was presented in three sub-categories:

• Individual
• Animal Welfare Organization
• Schools, Institutions, Teachers, or Children

The event saw participation from representatives of State Animal Welfare Boards, District SPCAs, Gau Seva Aayogs, animal welfare organizations, and animal rights activists.

With the planned policy revisions and increased grassroots involvement, the government aims to strengthen animal welfare enforcement and encourage the humane treatment of animals nationwide.