New Delhi: The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) Tuesday urged state governments to ensure that animals kept in pet stores do not suffer as owners shut shops in the wake of COVID-19 lockdowns across the country.
The letter by AWBI Chairman O.P. Chaudhary reads: “It has (been) brought to the notice of the board that a large number of pet shops or…breeding facilities where animals and birds are kept for sale are now shut down due to lockdown/curfew.”
Chaudhary expressed concern over animals and birds remaining stranded inside shops without food, water or temperature control measures.
“All such pet shops are to be evacuated by the State Animal Welfare Boards through SPCAs (Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)…Where there are no SPCAs available, the district administration shall ensure to check and evacuate all animals…,” the letter reads.
The AWBI’s letter came a day after it wrote another Monday urging all states to ensure animal fodder is made available across states during lockdowns.
Animals left to die inside shops
The AWBI’s plea came after it received multiple complaints of animals — especially puppies, kittens, birds and fishes — being left to die inside shops.
“It is imperative for the administration to ensure that breeders don’t participate in this mass murder of animals by way of starvation,” an AWBI official told ThePrint.
In its letter, the AWBI also says: “It is requested to kindly issue necessary direction to all district authorities to check the pet shops in the locality for searching of animals, if any and evacuate them.”
Police forces in cities like Delhi and Mumbai have agreed to let dog feeders venture out and feed stray canines, provided they take feeder passes from their respective district Deputy Commission of Police offices.
This was done to make sure the strays remain fed during lockdowns and do not become ferocious due to starvation.
Also read: Veterinary services must go on, animals can’t suffer during COVID-19, Modi govt tells states
Let them alive. May God bless the helping people who will help the helpless animals. If we can’t feed them we have no right to hit them. A sloke in song says ” Jibe prem kare jei jon sei jon sebiche iswar”.
S. Pls save the poor animals and bring a compulsion that every family should take care of atleast one stray dog or any other pets they like. The govt should pls give necessary instructions nd permissions to save the helpless creatures .
Yes. They must be treated humanely in this moment of crisis. They suffer for no fault of theirs. People please show concern for these innocent and vulnerable lives.
Pls considee this issue and save ppet animals in petshops
Please help stray animals. Don’t let them die. They are innocent & helpless.They are not the cause of disease. So, please all animal lovers come forward & help thses helpless & poor creatures. May god bless them. Who will save thses God ‘s created creatures. Thank you