Question : Shelter Homes for Stray Animals

(a) the details of the Government and non-Government shelter homes looking after the injured stray animals like cows, dogs etc. in the country, State/UT-wise;
(b) Whether it is a fact that many of these shelter homes are facing shortage of space and other amenities restricting the proper care of these stray animals;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether any steps are being taken by the Government to improve the facilities including increasing financial allocation and provision of more space in these shelter homes for stray animals; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY & DAIRYING
(DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)
(a) The Animal Welfare Board India (AWBI) is granting recognition to the Animal Welfare Organizations (AWO) and Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs) duly registered under the Society registration Act, Trust deed etc. in the concerned District and working for the welfare of Stray/injured animals in the Country. The AWBI has granted recognition to 3631 AWOs/Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) working for the Animal Welfare. The State and Union Territory wise list of the recognized AWOs/ NGOs / SPCAs are attached at Annexure-I. However, detailed may please be seen at http://www.awbi.in/awbi-pdf/Recognition%20list%2016.09.2020.pdf

(b) & (c) Yes Sir. Some of the Organizations have reported that they are facing shortage of space for sheltering more number of stray / homeless animals and facing shortage of fund for establishment of new shelter home and other infrastructure facilities for giving proper care to stray / Homeless animals.


(d) As per the Article 246(3) of the Constitution of India in List II of Seventh Schedule the Preservation, protection and improvement of stock and prevention of animal diseases; veterinary training and practice is under State list on which the State has exclusive power to make laws for such State or any part thereof with respect to any of the matters enumerated in List II in the Seventh Schedule. Further, as per the Eleventh Schedule of Constitution of India, the state may endow Panchyet to establish and run the Cattle Pounds (Kanji Houses)/ Gaushala Shelters(community assets). Many States are establishing the Gaushalas and Shelter houses for control of Stray Cattle. Accordingly, Many States are assisting the Gaushalas and Shelter houses for Stray animals.
However, the AWBI provides financial assistance to the recognized AWOs/ NGOs / SPCAs and Local bodies under the scheme namely Shelter House for establishing new animal Shelter House including construction of boundary walls, shelter, water tank, drains, in-house Dispensary, medical equipment, contingencies etc. In the financial year 2019-20, the AWBI has given financial assistance to 24 AWOs under this scheme amounting Rs. 2,50,00000/-
The AWBI also provides financial assistance to the recognized AWOs/ NGOs / SPCAs under the Regular Grant Scheme for maintenance of animal shelters, animals medicines, purchase of medical equipment and conducting of veterinary camps etc. and rescued cattle maintenance grant for maintenance of the animals rescued from illegal transportation / slaughter-houses. In the financial year 2019-20, the AWBI has given financial assistance to 6 AWOs under this scheme amounting Rs. 26,39,500/-
The AWBI provides financial assistance to the recognized AWOs/ NGOs / SPCAs and Local bodies under the scheme of Provision of Ambulance Services for animals in distress for purchase of suitable vehicles for transportation, rescue and also for providing emergency services to animals in distress. In the financial year 2019-20, the AWBI has given financial assistance to 141 AWOs under this scheme amounting Rs. 1,55,64,702/-.

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