POONCH DECEMBER 12: Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma today chaired a review meeting on animal welfare in the district and issued directions aimed to prevent animal cruelty and ensure humane management of stray animals.
The meeting centered on strengthening institutional mechanisms in strict adherence to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023, the Supreme Court order dated 22 August 2025 and guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
Reviewing the prevailing situation, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for coordinated, time-bound implementation by all concerned departments. He directed the officials to work in close synergy for effective enforcement of statutory provisions governing animal welfare.
Stressing the importance of community participation, the DC instructed all departments to collaboratively conduct extensive public awareness programmes to highlight the importance of preventing animal cruelty, benefits of sterilization, use of designated feeding spots and legal penalties for violations.
He further directed the stakeholder departments to submit the requisite information to their respective Heads of Departments at the earliest for timely action and monitoring.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik; CPO Shamaun Ahmed; SE PWD Kewal Kumar; ACP, Rakesh Sharma and PO ICDS, Naheem-un-Nissa Bhatti. The SDMs joined virtually.
