Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Dimapur together with Humane Society International (HSI) India on Saturday organised a “Workshop-cum-Training on Animal Law Sensitization” at Life Spring Corner, Khermahal, Dimapur.
Delivering welcome address, DC and president SPCA Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan stated that in the recent past, whenever there was discussion on “cruelty on animals” it has been frequently misinterpreted as “consumption”.
He clarified that consumption and cruelty towards animals were different aspects, stating that while consumption could be done, given it is not prohibited by law, the process that precedes must not involve cruelty.
He said that this was one of the main objectives of SPCA and other forums, and that the two should not be confused but should go hand-in-hand.
Soundararajan also stated that it was not only the responsibility of district SPCA or law enforcing agencies to ensure that there would be no cruelty in animals but rather a collective responsibility of all members of society to provide an environment to animals where they can be treated with respect and kindness.
In this regard, he called upon all stakeholders in attendance to mediate proper awareness on laws regarding animal cruelty, etc. to all citizens through all possible channels.
Soundararajan also emphasised on spreading awareness at the grass root levels i.e. at schools and colleges stating that from a young age, one needed to be taught that humans and animals all shared the same creator and that humans do not have any right to subjugate or inflict cruelty on other creations.
DC also credited the collective efforts of SPCA Dimapur team stating that it was “one of the most active SPCAs in the state”.
In his power point presentation, senior manager, Humane Society International (HSI) India, Arkaprava Bhar, gave an overview on HSI, its functioning, etc. He informed that HSI India was a global affiliation to Humane Society International and that it was an organisation comprised of more than 50 countries. Bhar also highlighted some of the animal rescue operations carried out by HSI India at Nepal in 2015, and more recently at Ukraine, and also rescue operations within the country in flooded areas of Kerela, Karnataka, West Bengal, etc.
Bhar also lauded the SPCA Dimapur team and stated that it was not only the most active in the state but in the country and that it served as an example for other SPCA teams throughout India. He also gave a detailed power point presentations on “Overview of Animal laws in India & relation with human cruelty & Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960”, “Transport & Slaughter Central law, and Food Safety rule”, “Animal welfare legislations, challenges, dog breeding rules, pet shop rules, performing animals’ rules & custody and seizure provisions and maintenance of case property”.
An interactive session was also held where resource person answered to queries raised by students and other individuals.
Earlier, chairperson SPCA vice president, N. Joseph Lemtur clarified that the notion of SPCA as a “consumption banning organisation” was not true but informed that it was an organisation to spread awareness on prevention of animal cruelty.
The programme was attended by officials from Naga Council, Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation, GB Union Dimapur sadar, DNSU, DMC, and officials from veterinary department, etc.