By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Jiban Ballav Das, Secretary, Odisha unit of People for Animals has appealed general public to not panic in view of COVID19 outbreak. Das said that the Animal Welfare Board of India under Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt. of India send a circular to Chief Secretaries of All States and Union Territories that Animal owners are leaving their pets to stray without proper food, water and shelter due to spread of COVID19.
“So People for Animals appeals that not to be panic by social medias that spreading to keep away from pets which is totally wrong and misleading,” Das added.
In this regard World Health Organisation clarifies that pets like Dogs and Cats are not involved in spreading infections in the current episode of Carona Virus infection. The circular issued by WHO enclosed. So Pets should not leave or inflict cruelty due to COVID19.
Further it is stated that cruelty to animals is an offence under section 11(I) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960. It’s also violation of the direction Honble Supreme Court of India. The AWBI also given a advisory to all Stet govts that the stray animals need to be taken care by the local bodies as it is their responsibility.
It is requested that Govt. of Odisha should issue a circular to all concerned authorities to create awareness amongst the public that animals which were taken care by them may not left straying and also not to inflict unnecessary pain or suffering to animals because of the COVID19. The law enforcement authorities may also be directed to see that the animals are not subjected to unnecessary pain or suffering as it attracts penalty under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960.
