KUPWARA, DECEMBER 12: On the instructions of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Gulzar Ahmad Khan today chaired a meeting of the District Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to review ongoing animal welfare measures in the district.
The meeting, attended by Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Kupwara, Dr. Shabir Ahmad Teli and officers from Forest, Wildlife, Municipal Committees, and other departments, discussed the implementation of SPCA guidelines and steps to strengthen animal welfare mechanisms. Officials informed the chair that revalidation of SPCA registration has become mandatory under the J&K Reorganization Act, 2019, and membership applications from Animal Welfare Organizations and civil society will be invited.
The ADC directed the initiation of companion animal registration and instructed Municipal Committees to identify sites for animal shelters. It was also noted that Animal Birth Control (ABC) facilities are functional at District Veterinary Hospital Kupwara and Tehsil Veterinary Hospital Handwara.
The ADC called for close coordination among all departments to ensure stronger and more effective animal welfare systems in the district.
