The Aloha Ahimsa Foundation participated in a two-day awareness program on public health and animal protection laws in India, organized by the Arunachal Animal Welfare Society. The event, held in Itanagar on August 5, focused on the roles of various departments in animal welfare, care, and maintenance.
Dr. Asher Jesudoss, Director of Aloha Ahimsa Foundation and member of the Delhi Animal Welfare Board, spoke on key legal provisions for animal protection in India, including Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. He emphasized that crimes against animals must be treated seriously, as research links animal abuse to violence against humans. Dr. Jesudoss also outlined the need for better coordination between the Animal Husbandry Department and law enforcement to ensure effective implementation of animal welfare laws.
Dr. Jesudoss highlighted the importance of educating police officers and government officials on animal protection laws. He also discussed the roles of various departments in ensuring animal welfare, stressing that stronger enforcement is necessary to address issues like animal trafficking and zoonotic diseases.
The program included discussions on the importance of animal birth control (ABC) programs to manage stray animal populations humanely, as well as the need for veterinary hospitals to care for injured animals. Dr. Jesudoss proposed a workshop to train municipal personnel in Itanagar on ABC procedures, which was met with support.
Other speakers included Bomto Riram, Assistant Nodal Officer for the National Rabies Control Programme, who discussed zoonotic diseases and the need for a “One Health” approach to tackle public health risks. Deputy Commissioner of ICR, Talo Potom, mentioned that he had several pets at home and was eager to initiate the formation of the ‘Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (SPCA) with government and non-government executives.
The first day of the event took place at the Police Training Centre (PTC) in Banderdewa, with over 800 trainee policemen in attendance. The program concluded with pledges for future actions, including the formation of a Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and further efforts to implement animal welfare initiatives in the region.
Full Coverage: Echo of Arunachal | The Arunachal Times
