The whole world is today fighting against the COVID 19 pandemic and India is no exception.
India has the second largest human population in the world. Apart from this it has a huge population of animals. Especially street animals who entirely depend upon the human society for it's survival. Whether it be food, water or medical facility.
On 23rd March 2020 the central govt has made two very important and crucial decisions for the well being and protection of animals in India.
As a preventive measure the central government and the state governments have asked for a complete lockdown in India. This means no movement of the people. People are to stay at home and restrict themselves from going out.
But for the wellbeing of the people few essential services have remained operational. Some of them are hospitals, police, fire fighters, groceries, chemist etc
The centre has now decided to keep the veterinary hospitals and veterinary services also operational for the well-being of its animals.
A letter has been sent by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt of India to all the states saying that animals and birds should not suffer during lockdown. That medical help for animals must be treated as an essential service and should not be suspended during COVID - 19. All veterinary hospitals and dispensaries shall remain open. This includes private veterinary clinics and animal shelters.
The letter also mentions that strict personal hygiene must be maintained and public gatherings to be avoided by the staff.
India has a huge population of stray animals and they entirely depend upon their caregivers for their food and water.
Ever since the lockdown the biggest worry of all the caregivers of India was concerning the feeding of their animals. The Modi government has today brought a big relief and smiles on the faces of the caregivers.
The Chairman of the AWBI ( Animal Welfare Board of India) on 23rd March 2020 has sent a letter to all the states saying that all the law enforcement agencies should ensure that animals and birds do not suffer due to hunger during the lock down due to COVID 19. Some of the highlights of the letter are given below:
1 Feed and fodder for large animals and food for companion and stray animals is an essential service. Hence, this should not stop.
2 If need be the district administration may allot specific time during morning and evening hours for individuals / volunteers to provide food and water for street animals and birds.
3 The respective states should create awareness amongst it's public to take care of stray animals during the lockdown.
4 In the absence of this very essential service the animals and birds shall suffer and die and then their dead carcasses will further spread diseases which may become difficult to control.
The animal lovers throughout India have welcomed this very humane, noble and much needed decisions of the central government.
No caregiver wants to risk his life or the life of his family members but it also wants the safety and well-being of it's animals.
The two decisions taken by the Modi government are great news for the animal kingdom.
Today every animal of India feels protected and is proud to be born in India.
It seems the central govt is walking on the footsteps of India's father of the nation who said "the greatest of a Nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated"