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Dr. Iheilung speaking during the World Animal Day programme in Kohima on Thursday.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 4(EMN): World Animal Day was observed in Kohima with a programme at the Thinuovicha Memorial government higher secondary school. The event was organised by the department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services.
World Animal Day was founded by animal activist and writer Heinrich Limmerann in 1925 and was officially recognized globally in October 1931. It is a day to promote animals’ rights welfare and to publicise its significance.
Addressing the people at the programme, the department’s Deputy Director Dr. Ilang Iheilung said that the primary objective of the day was to bring about change in people’s perspective about animals.
Dr. Iheilung said the day is observed not for animals but for humans to foster compassion for animals to pave way to making a better place for all living things through awareness and understanding animal-related issues. The event is observed to understand the relations between human and animals and to give priority to the importance of animal rights and welfare to add to betterment of the future generations, he explained. A world without animals is unimaginable, Dr. Iheilung said. He called for respect for the relation between animals and humans.
Further, he encouraged the people to improve the living condition of animals at home, villages, and towns by publicising issues like cruelty to animals, animal rights violation, and animal shelters.
World Animal Day recognises that each animal is a unique sentient being and are therefore eligible for social justice like the basis of animal protection, to create a better place for all living things. It is also a day for a purpose that is beyond nationality, race and culture—concern and care for animals rights.
Another officer, Joint Director Dr. Budhi Lama spoke to the gathering about the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act of 1960.
Some of the organizations that work for animal welfare are People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, Blue Cross of India, Madras, People for Animals, Wildlife Trust of India, and Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre.
Gov. urges people to work with govt.
The governor of Nagaland has urged the people of the state to “solemnly resolve to preserve the rich flora and fauna of the state in its pristine glory” and contribute to their conservation by collaborating with the government.
PB Acharya issued a message on Thursday referring to the department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change’s celebration of the 64th Wildlife Week, from October 2 to the 8th.
“I wish that the weeklong celebration will inspire the people of the state to contribute towards preserving the rich floral and faunal diversity of the state,” the message read.
The government has been proactive to ensure that the rich natural heritage of the state is well preserved for the future generations, he said.
‘The government, in 2013, had declared Amur Falcons as the state guest and also notified stoppage of development funds of a village found in killing wild animals (including migratory birds), which is a unique notification in the country.’
“I call upon my beloved people of Nagaland to solemnly resolve to preserve the rich flora and fauna of the state in its pristine glory and contribute to their conservation by actively collaborating with the department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change for sustainable supply of our natural resources,” the governor stated.
