The Indian government's response to Unstarred Question No. 2559, regarding assistance for stray animals in rural areas from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), indicates that there is no specific provision under the SDRF or National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for stray animals. However, financial assistance is provided to small and marginal farmers for the loss of milch animals and drought animals used for haulage. The Animal Welfare of India (AWBI), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, recognizes Animal Welfare Organizations, including Gaushalas, maintaining animal shelters. State Governments provide assistance for the establishment of shelters for stray animals, and the AWBI provides grants for Shelter Houses, ambulance services for animal rescue and treatment, and relief to animals during natural calamities. This response was to be answered on December 16, 2025, and was submitted by Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai. The question was raised by Mrs. Ruchi Vira and Smt. Sanjna Jatav.
Key Entities Referenced
State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF): A fund meant for disaster response; in this context, whether it includes provisions for stray animals in rural areas.
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF): A fund meant for disaster response; in this context, whether it includes provisions for stray animals in rural areas.
Ministry of Home Affairs: The ministry answering the question regarding the applicability of SDRF and NDRF to stray animals.
Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI): An organization under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying that recognizes Animal Welfare Organizations and provides grants for animal shelters.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2559
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16TH DECEMBER, 2025/ AGRAHAYANA 25, 1947
(SAKA)
ASSISTANCE FOR STRAY ANIMALS IN RURAL AREAS FROM SDRF
†2559. MRS RUCHI VIRA:
SMT. SANJNA JATAV:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the norms of existing State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) do
not provide for assistance for stray animals in rural areas;
(b) if so, the details of the measures proposed by the Government to include
provision for providing assistance for any animals in the existing SDRF norms
keeping in mind that proper care and protection of such animals cannot be
ensured at present due to the local bodies having limited resources; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)
(a) to (c): There is no specific provision under the scheme of State Disaster
Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for stray
animals. However, financial assistance by way of gratuitous relief is provided
to the small and marginal farmers for the loss of milch animal, drought
animals used for haulage.-2-
L.S.US.Q.NO. 2559 FOR 16.12.2025
Besides, the Animal Welfare of India (AWBI) under the Ministry of Fisheries,
Animal Husbandry and Dairying, recognizes the Animal Welfare
Organizations, including Gaushalas, which are maintaining animal shelters.
The State Governments, as per their mandate, are providing assistance for
establishment of shelter to keep the stray animals. Moreover, Animal Welfare
Board of India (AWBI) is providing grants for Shelter House for looking after
the animals, Procurement of Ambulance Services to rescue and treatment of
Animals in Distress, Relief to Animals during Natural Calamities.
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