Centre Planning New Bill on Stray Dog Concern

The stray dog issue will soon be addressed through legislation, the Union Minister for Animal Husbandry, Parshottam Rupala, mentioned in a press conference on Tuesday. He also shared the accomplishments and initiatives the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has taken over the past nine years. He also noted a consistent growth rate of over 6% in the sector during this period, projecting a 7% growth for the ongoing fiscal year.

Responding to concerns about stray dog incidents across the country and opposition to the recent amendments made to the Animal Birth Control Rules by certain states, Mr. Rupala stated that a bill had been prepared. “Once it obtains clearance, we intend to introduce it. Presently, we are collaborating with the Animal Welfare Board to assist state and local bodies in addressing public concerns,” he explained. He also mentioned the stakeholders’ suggestions about changing existing laws and how the government is actively working on them.

Mr. Rupala highlighted two significant achievements of the central government in the past nine years: extending Kisan Credit Cards benefits to dairy farmers and providing free vaccinations for lumpy skin disease. He highlighted the vitality of the dairy sector, which produces most of the nation’s agricultural products, accounts for 5% of the national GDP, and directly supports over 80 million farmers. 

India is a leading global milk producer, contributing around 23% of total production. The minister expressed great pleasure at a 51.05% increase in milk production over the past eight years. It was 146.3 million tonnes in 2014-15, and now it’s 221.06 million tonnes in 2021-22.  

Furthermore, he added that per capita milk availability rose to 444 grams per day in 2021-22, which surpassed the global average of 394 grams per day in 2021.

Dismissing reports of milk and milk product shortages, Mr. Rupala reassured the public, affirming that the government is actively addressing the issue of rising milk prices. He stated, “Our current milk collection only constitutes around 35%, meaning there is a significant untapped portion. We are working diligently to tap into this potential and enhance supply.” He assured consumers that there would be no milk or milk products shortage, adding, “There is no possibility of scarcity. The country possesses an ample supply of skimmed milk powder, and the milk supply chain operates smoothly.”