Hyderabad: The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), a statutory body of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad on Thursday. The MoU was signed by Abhijit Mitra, Chairman, AWBI, and Shrikrishna Deva Rao, Vice-Chancellor, NALSAR University.

The MoU formalised a strategic partnership aimed at providing high-quality, professional legal training to civil society members who support District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs) and State Animal Welfare Boards in their efforts to assist animals. This collaboration between AWBI and NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, will help in providing specialised training and education to the applicants of Honorary Animal Welfare Representatives (HAWRs) with AWBI. Participants will be equipped with essential knowledge in animal welfare laws, procedures, investigative techniques, and related subjects. The training will be conducted in batches, with a maximum of 25 participants per session, and will span a minimum of three days. Upon successful completion of training, AWBI will issue Honorary Animal Welfare Representative (HAWR) certifications based on assessments conducted by NALSAR. Intellectual property rights for the training materials remain with NALSAR, while AWBI will have exclusive usage rights for HAWR training. The partnership between AWBI and NALSAR represents a significant step towards enriching the legal ecosystem for animal welfare in the country.

The AWBI also held its 53rd General Meeting today at the National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research (NARFBR) in Hyderabad. The meeting addressed various matters for the furtherance of animal welfare in the country, including administrative issues. The AWBI will be celebrating Animal Welfare Fortnight from 14 to 30 January 2025 across the country, with activities highlighting the diversity of life on Earth and the vital role animals play in our ecosystems.

About Honorary Animal Welfare Representatives

Honorary Animal Welfare Representatives (HAWRs) are vital members of civil society dedicated to alleviating animal suffering and promoting their welfare. They address animal cruelty issues such as injuries, excessive load-bearing, and inhumane treatment, while providing first aid, educating the public, and ensuring compliance with transport laws. HAWRs also collaborate with local authorities to create shelters, lead rescue operations during natural disasters, and combat cruel animal sports. Their efforts make a significant difference in the lives of animals across India, fostering a culture of compassion and responsible animal care.

About AWBI and PCA Act 1960

The AWBI was established under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, for the promotion of animal welfare generally and for the purpose of protecting animals from being subjected to unnecessary pain or suffering, in particular. The PCA Act of 1960 aims to prevent cruelty to animals across the country, protecting both domestic and wild animals. This includes safeguarding animals from mistreatment by their owners, during transportation, experimentation, and performances. The Act also focuses on raising awareness about animal welfare, educating the public, and providing training for those who manage or interact with animals.

BI Bureau