The Amendment was passed in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly in March 2018 and after following the procedures and after getting the assent of the Governor, the amendment has been made effective. As per this amendment, if any cattle, horse, pig, dog or any other animal or bird is kept on any land or premises in contravention of the provisions or is found straying, the chairman may direct any officer or employee of the NKDA authority to seize them. I will hold a meeting at NKDA office on Wednesday 25th to take steps to make operational the amended portion of the Act
In order to keep the seized animals with care, a cattle shed and a pet creche have recently been constructed in New Town. The cattle shed has facilities for feeding the animals, a small adminisrative office and an open ground for the cattle to graze. The area is spread over 3 acres, is located in Action Area 1D and action is being taken to frame draft rules regarding fees and procedure to be followed in confining the animals and releasing them subsequently. The rules will then be notified in official gazette after following procedure. Meanwhile, a Veterinary Doctor and assisting staff are also to be selected and appointed, for which an advisory committee is already formed.
A pet creche, treatment centre and burial ground has also just been completed by Hidco and the property handed over to NKDA for commissioning and operations. Spread over 25 kottahs, there are 10 creches for pet dogs, a small walking lawn, a veterinary doctor chamber and, at the rear end, pits for 30 burials. Here too, a committee wthin NKDA is proposing draft rules for fees, staff, doctor and other procedures.
A workshop was held last week at Eco Park to sensitive staff and security guards on ways to deal with stray dogs in Eco park. (see photo below). An NGO dealing with dog care and dog vaccination delivered useful insights. Engineers of Hidco have been advised to block gaps in the fencing of the park to prevent sneaking-in of stray dogs. Work to this effect has already started. Also started is weekly sterilization and immunization of stray dogs of New Town. Awareness is to be built not to scatter food left overs on the round so that dogs are not attracted. Bamboo shields and small fenced temporary holding areas have been advised to be kept ready for dealing with the occasional rogue dog. The stress was on making Eco Park dog-free without hurting them while saving children and visitors.
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| Workshop on Safe Dog Handling, at Eco Park, last Friday |
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