Parliament Question: Proper management and welfare of cattle in shelters

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2940 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18th MARCH, 2026 PROPER MANAGEMENT AND WELFARE OF CATTLE IN SHELTERS 2940 SHRI SATNAM SINGH SANDHU: Will the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying be pleased to state: (a) details of Central guidelines or support available for Union Territories and States to ensure proper management and welfare of cattle in shelters; (b) whether Government provides any financial assistance or technical training for modern gaushala operations and proper disposal of animal carcasses; (c) what measures are being recommended to prevent such mass fatalities in future; and (d) whether any amendment to animal welfare policies aimed at protecting stray and shelter cattle in urban areas is proposed, if so, details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH) (a) & (b) The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has issued “Guidelines for Animal Shelters with regard to Veterinary Facilities” vide letter dated 09.06.2022 to ensure proper veterinary care and management of animals housed in shelters. The copy of the same is available in the AWBI Website. Further, AWBI provides financial assistance to the recognized animal welfare organizations / Gaushalas who are sheltering the stray/injured /sick animals in their shelter under the following schemes: (i). Regular and Rescue Cattle Grant (ii). Scheme for Shelter House for looking after the animals (iii). Scheme for Provision of Ambulance Services to Animals in Distress (iv). Scheme for Relief to Animals during Natural Calamities For capacity building, a Gaushala Training Module has been developed to promote proper management and welfare of animals and to encourage self-sustainability of gaushalas and animal shelters. The detailed Training Programme having video presentations are uploaded in the AWBI website Further, workshops, seminars and training programmes are organised periodically for gaushala personnel and other stakeholders to create awareness regarding animal welfare, shelter management and disease prevention. With regard to disposal of animal carcasses, the work of the carcass disposal is the mandate of the local bodies. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has issued guidelines for carcass disposal. Further, an advisory dated 02.08.2022 has beenissued by Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to all States/UTs recommending establishment of animal crematoriums and incinerators in each district for environmentally safe disposal of animal carcasses. The Government of India has taken several measures to support States/Union Territories for proper management and welfare of cattle including in shelters and gaushalas. The Central Government is implementing Livestock Health and Disease Control programme under which preventive vaccination for various cattle diseases are carried out to prevent spread of diseases. Further, the Central Government is also implementing National Livestock Mission under which assistance is provided for fodder production to the State Governments wherein the gaushalas can also participate for fodder production. (c) and (d) - As per Article 246(3) of the Constitution of India, preservation, protection and improvement of livestock and prevention of animal diseases fall under the State List, and therefore the States have primary responsibility in this regard. Further, under Article 243(W), local bodies are responsible for cattle pounds and pinjrapoles and States may empower Panchayats to establish and run cattle pounds (Kanji Houses) and gaushala shelters for management of stray cattle. The AWBI has also issued advisories dated 12.07.2018 and 27.02.2020 to all States/UTs regarding management of stray animals and improvement of shelter facilities. The copy of the same is available in the AWBI Website. ****