Nagaland SAWAB-N stresses for policy enforcement

The State Animal Welfare Advisory Board Nagaland (SAWAB-N) convened its 7th Board Members’ meeting on November 18, at the Office Chamber of the Advisor, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima. The meeting, held under the chairmanship of advisor of AH&VS and chairman of SAWAB-N, Khazeto Kinimi, focused on reviewing ongoing initiatives and mapping out strategies to enhance animal welfare mechanisms across the State.
According to a DIPR report, Khazeto Kinimi emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in fostering a compassionate society that values animal welfare. He urged members to work together to create a world where animals are treated with respect and care, highlighting the need for concrete, actionable measures to improve the situation on the ground.
He also reiterated that SAWAB-N is a statutory body formed under the Supreme Court’s directive to establish State Animal Welfare Boards and District Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs), as mandated by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. The board operates under the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to protect animal rights and prevent cruelty.
Also highlighting on District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (SPCAs), Kinimi informed that while most districts in Nagaland have constituted their SPCA, the newly created districts including Niuland, Chumoukedima, Tseminyu, Noklak, Shamator and Meluri are yet to complete registration under the Societies Registration Act.
In a significant development, Kinimi also informed that the Government of India has allocated financial assistance for 2025-26 under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) for capacity-building efforts in Nagaland. As part of this initiative, a State-Level Dog Show will be organized during the upcoming Hornbill Festival. The event will feature cash awards and gift hampers to promote responsible pet ownership, humane treatment of animals, community participation, and scientific breeding practices.
In his speech, joint director, AH&VS, Dr. Ilang raised concerns regarding the illegal roadside slaughter of animals in Dimapur and Kohima. Despite a ban, unhygienic and unsanctioned slaughter continues. The Board expressed its alarm over the ongoing practice and unanimously decided that a fresh order be issued by the Commissioner of Nagaland to all District Administrations to immediately halt illegal roadside slaughter.
Dr. Ilang also addressed the issue of the ban on the sale and trade of dog meat in Nagaland, stating that although the chief secretary had issued a ban on the import, sale, and trade of dog meat in July 4 2020, the Gauhati High Court has since quashed this order, effectively allowing the trade to resume.
The Board also discussed the need to revise the budget allocation for animal welfare initiatives. A proposal was made to ensure sufficient funding for the State SPCA and to incorporate the newly created districts, thereby enabling uniform implementation of animal welfare programs across the state.
In addition, Dr. Ilang called upon the president of the Nagaland Tourism Association to help promote animal welfare awareness in emerging tourism destinations. This collaboration aims to raise the visibility of animal welfare issues and promote responsible tourism practices.
Earlier, Commissioner & Secretary, AH& VS Vikeyie Kenya, welcomed the board members and the meeting concluded with words of gratitude by director, AH & VS, Dr. BM Sunep. Advisor for Geology and Mining, W. Chingang Konyak and Department officials of Municipal affairs, KMC, SPCAs, AH & VS, Tourism and forest also attended the meeting.