The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, conducted a comprehensive workshop-cum-webinar under the banner of ‘Partnering for Animal Welfare and Sterilization (PAWS)’ at TGCE Auditorium, Sri Vijaya Puram. The event brought together officials, experts, and community leaders to address the growing concerns over stray animal populations and their impact on public health and tourism.
The program was attended by administrative officials, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), veterinary professionals, and tribal representatives across districts through a hybrid format. It sought to build a collaborative ecosystem for effective animal welfare initiatives, especially in areas frequented by tourists.
Secretary (Rural Development, PRIs & ULBs), who also serves as Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, emphasized the role of public responsibility in achieving sustainable animal welfare outcomes. His address underlined the necessity of inter-departmental collaboration in managing stray animal populations through scientific and humane approaches.
Secretary (AH&VS) introduced the PAWS initiative, detailing the importance of integrating various stakeholders under a unified framework. The goal is to achieve 100% sterilization coverage in tourism-centric areas using data-driven planning and shared resources. She also outlined the logistics of resource deployment and coordinated monitoring.
The Secretary of SVPMC expressed readiness to implement stray dog control measures and urged replication of such practices across gram panchayats. The session featured the unveiling of educational materials and awareness posters under the PAWS initiative, signaling a more engaged outreach strategy.
Veterinary and animal welfare experts from national organizations shared their insights on humane education, population control models like CNVR (Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release), and legal responsibilities surrounding animal care. Speakers from Blue Cross of India, Mission Rabies, WVS Taskforce, and the Animal Welfare Board of India addressed the attendees, stressing education, empathy, and community involvement.
An interactive session allowed local officials and participants to pose questions, contributing to a two-way dialogue about ground-level challenges and operational opportunities. The program included screenings of awareness films to bolster engagement and community sensitization.
The workshop reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to adopting a scientifically informed and ethically sound framework for managing stray animal populations. With emphasis on education, collaboration, and execution, the PAWS initiative is positioned as a model for long-term animal welfare in the Islands.
The hybrid nature of the event ensured participation from remote locations including Diglipur, Mayabunder, Rangat, Hut Bay, Nicobar, Kamorta, and Campbell Bay. This broad representation reinforced the importance of decentralized execution and localized adaptation of welfare strategies.
The AH&VS Department views the workshop as a foundational step toward institutionalizing humane animal management practices. With growing awareness and structured initiatives, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are moving towards a more sustainable coexistence between humans and stray animals.
