As per Article 246(3) of the Constitution of India, the responsibility for preserving, protecting, and improving livestock, along with preventing animal diseases, veterinary training, and practice, lies with the State Governments. Likewise, under Article 243(W) of the Constitution, local bodies are tasked with managing cattle pounds and Pinjrapoles. Accordingly, States may authorize Panchayats to establish and manage Cattle Pounds (Kanji Houses) and Gaushala Shelters (community assets) for housing stray cattle. Several States have already set up Gaushalas and shelters, ensuring food and care for stray bovines to address the issue effectively.

Moreover, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), through its letter dated July 12, 2018, issued advisories regarding stray animals to all State Governments and Union Territories. AWBI promotes shelters for homeless animals by offering grants-in-aid for their upkeep within the Government of India's allocated budget. It also provides financial assistance to recognized Animal Welfare Organizations (AWOs) in various States under the Regular, Shelter, Ambulance, and Natural Calamities Grants schemes.

Furthermore, the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories were requested via letter dated March 27, 2023, to allocate sufficient land and facilities for the establishment of infirmaries by the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). This initiative is in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Establishment and Regulations of Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Rules, 2001, facilitating the construction of infirmaries and animal shelters.

Various Gaushalas serve as shelters for stray cattle, where cow dung can be utilized for Bio-CNG production. The necessary technology is already available, and the Central Government provides financial aid for establishing such plants. Efforts are underway to expand this technology, with several Gaushalas and organizations already producing cow dung-based products.

To address this issue of abandoned male animals, the Central Government is implementing sex-sorted semen technology under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission for artificial insemination of cattle. This technology aims to produce only female calves, thereby gradually reducing the number of male cattle over time.

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 18th March, 2025.

*****

AA

(Release ID: 2113159) Visitor Counter : 103