Chandigarh, July 15:
Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh on Tuesday announced in the Vidhan Sabha that the state government will bring together various departments and experts on to formulate a comprehensive strategy to address the stray animal menace in Punjab.
The Minister informed the House that the Local Government Department will lead the coordination efforts among all concerned departments and stakeholders to devise an effective action plan. He reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the issue, recalling that the Chief Minister had already assured prompt action during the debate on the Amendment Bill of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Dr. Ravjot Singh highlighted that the department has already implemented “The Punjab Compensation to Victims of Animal Attacks and Accidents Policy, 2023″ under which financial relief is provided to families of deceased or those suffering permanent disability due to stray animal attacks. The compensation is disbursed by a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner of the respective district.
Acknowledging the severity of the issue, the Minister stated that the number of stray animals has increased significantly, often leading to road accidents and public inconvenience. He informed that 1.4 lakh stray animals as per the 20th Livestock Census (21st Census data pending release). He said that over 2 lakh stray animals currently housed in 518 registered Gaushalas. He informed that 77 cattle sheds constructed by the Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department across 20 government cattle pounds. 10 additional cow shelters being managed by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Dr. Ravjot Singh said that Urban Local Bodies regularly secure stray animals and shift them to government/private gaushalas. He said that Financial assistance is provided to gaushalas based on availability of Cow Cess funds and ULBs’ resources. Continuous directives are being issued to ULBs to take special measures to control the stray animal population, he added.
The Cabinet Minister said that the government is committed to multi-pronged approach involving experts, animal welfare organizations and administrative departments to ensure a sustainable solution to the stray animal challenge.
