Kerala: AWBI suggests use of cow dung, urine

Alappuzha: The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has decided to observe annual animal welfare fortnight from January 14 to 30 with the focus on using  cow dung and urine  for beneficial projects. A circular issued on December 28 has asked all states to start training for goshala personnel to utilise  cow dung and urine for the production of bio-gas, vermicompost, organic soaps, agarbatis and panchagavya medicines. It has directed to introduce animal birth control (ABC)/anti rabies (AR) programmes for controlling the  stray dog population.It said that sick animals  should be taken to a veterinary doctor and a campaign called adopt a homeless pet should be started.

Food and water to  birds should be provided in earthen bowls and a  large number of bird- friendly trees like jamun, neem, shahtoot, bargat, peepal, seemal  should be planted. The animal lovers should start an anti-plastic bag campaign.   Treatment camps should be organised for  sick animals and food and medicine should be given to them regularly.

Schools should be advised to avoid dissection of animals and computer programmes of  frog, rat, earthworm, cockroach and pigeon should be adopted.    It has suggested launching  an anti-oxytocin drive against the misuse of ‘oxytocin’ injections for drawing milk from cattle  which is illegal as per Food and Drug Adulteration Prevention Act. 

“Arrange visit to slaughter houses in your area and educate the butchers on humane slaughter and create awareness on slaughter house rules. Prevent introduction of children in the slaughter house jobs at a tender age,”  the circular said.