Africa-Press – Mauritius. In the context of the World Animal Day observed annually on 04 October, an official ceremony was held, this morning, by the Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security in collaboration with the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare (MSAW), at Flacq.
A series of activities concerning animal welfare namely free mass sterilisation, adoption, microchipping of pets, dog demonstration by the Police Dog Unit were also held to mark the Day.
The Minister of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives, Mr Soomilduth Bholah; Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr Darsanand Balgobin; Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Mr Sudheer Maudhoo; Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Teeruthraj Hurdoyal; Chairman of the MSAW Council, Mr Didier Pursun; and Director of the MSAW, Mr Julien Georges, were also present on the occasion.
The Agro-Industry Minister also proceeded with the launch of the sterilisation programme of cats by MSAW and the adoption of two puppies. In his address, Minister Hurdoyal, highlighted the significance of the Day as it emphasises on the need to elevate global animal care standards and advocate for animal rights universally.
It is also an opportunity to sensitise the population on the benefits of animal sterilisation and spread awareness on the activities carried out by the MSAW and the Ministry to ensure the well-being of animals, he underlined.
Domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and cattle, he observed, are often regarded as essential members of the family by their owners. “It is crucial to educate young children on the importance of treating animals with love, patience and compassion right from an early age”, he said.
On this note, he spoke of microchipping as a prerequisite and major safety measure for pets. Government, stated Minister Hurdoyal, is mobilising a series of actions to better control the stray dog population and reinforce the laws against animal cruelty and neglect.
He thus pointed out that sterilisation campaigns will be carried out monthly in various regions of the island. The parent Ministry, he added, is working in collaboration with the MSAW and local authorities to come up with solutions to tackle the issue of stray dogs on our beaches.
Till date, he said, around 8, 000 dogs have been sterilised by the MSAW adding that 200 dogs are expected to be sterilised during the day. Moreover, he indicated that the population can also benefit from an Income Tax deduction of up to Rs 10 000 by adopting a stray dog from the MSAW.
An Inter-Ministerial committee, he mentioned, will be set up to review all issues concerning the welfare of dogs. He also informed that strict actions will be taken in cases of mistreat and cruelty against animals as well as illegal breeding of dogs.
Minister Hurdoyal lauded the MSAW, Non-Governmental Organisations, and local authorities for their significant contribution in the welfare and protection of animal’s rights.
He evoked the possibility of setting up more MSAW centres around the island and providing an ambulance for injured pets. He also appealed to the population to show greater care and affection towards animals and to get their pets sterilised. As for Mr Pursun, he recalled that the MSAW was set up under the Animal Welfare Act to promote the welfare and good treatment of animals.
The MSAW, he reiterated, will continue to carry out its mass sterilisation programme around the island while adding that the ‘Catch, Neuter, Release’ programme has also been launched on a pilot basis to curb the growth of the dog population. He urged more and more people to register their dogs and cats for sterilisation and benefit from vouchers by the MSAW.
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