Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 16 March 2025
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, dedicated the period from February 14 to March 13, 2025, as Animal Husbandry & Animal Welfare Awareness Month. This initiative aims to promote good animal husbandry practices and enhance the welfare of livestock across the country.
In line with this national initiative, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Sri Vijaya Puram, organised a series of activities across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to raise awareness and encourage responsible animal care.
One of the key events was a series of college-level workshops titled ‘Compassion in Action – Empowering Youth for Animal Welfare’. These workshops, conducted in five different colleges, sensitized 441 students on various aspects of animal welfare, including animal protection laws and veterinary first aid techniques. Short informative videos on animal welfare were screened, and students actively engaged in interactive sessions. They were also introduced to life-saving CPR techniques for pet animals, and informative leaflets were distributed to reinforce their learning.
Demonstrating their commitment to the cause, 44 students volunteered to serve as Animal Welfare Ambassadors under the title ‘Guardians of the Voiceless’. These ambassadors will undergo specialized training and receive certification to effectively advocate for animal welfare. Their role will be instrumental in bridging the gap between the community and animal welfare organizations, ensuring broader participation and sustained impact.
Additionally, house-to-house visits were conducted by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, in collaboration with local ward members. During these visits, livestock farmers were educated on good animal husbandry practices, with an emphasis on safe garbage disposal. Officials highlighted the dangers of livestock scavenging through waste, particularly the risks associated with ingesting polythene bags. Nutritious fodder cuttings were distributed, and farmers were encouraged to adopt hygienic milk production practices.
Special attention was given to tribal farmers, who were motivated to construct low-cost shelters for their livestock. They were advised to gradually transition from traditional livestock rearing methods to scientific, enclosure-based systems, ensuring better care and productivity.
The month-long campaign successfully fostered awareness and encouraged community participation in animal welfare, reinforcing the importance of responsible animal husbandry across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. (Story Based on PR)