The State Animal Welfare Advisory Board Nagaland (SAWAB-N) has taken strong measures to address illegal roadside animal slaughter and revisited the controversial dog meat trade during its 7th board meeting at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat.
Convened under the chairmanship of AH&VS Advisor and SAWAB-N Chairman Khazeto Kinimi, the meeting reviewed ongoing initiatives and charted the way forward to strengthen animal welfare mechanisms across the state. Kinimi called for “collective responsibility in fostering a compassionate society that values animal welfare,” urging members to translate discussions into actionable measures.
SAWAB-N, a statutory body constituted under the directive of the Supreme Court, functions under the Animal Welfare Board of India to safeguard animal rights and prevent unnecessary suffering. Kinimi noted that while most districts have constituted Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs), newly created districts including Niuland, Chumoukedima, Tseminyu, Noklak, Shamator, and Meluri, are yet to complete registration.
Highlighting national efforts, Kinimi said the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has designated 14 January to 13 February every year as “Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare Awareness Month” to promote modern livestock management. He also noted the Government of India’s financial assistance under the National Livestock Mission for 2025-26, which includes organizing a State-Level Dog Show during the Hornbill Festival to encourage responsible pet ownership, humane treatment of animals, and scientific breeding practices.
During the discussion, Dr Ilang, Joint Director AH&VS, drew attention to ongoing roadside slaughter in Dimapur and Kohima. Despite previous bans, open slaughter continues unchecked. The Board expressed serious concern and unanimously decided that the Commissioner of Nagaland must issue a fresh directive to all district administrations to immediately stop illegal roadside slaughter.
The Board also revisited the ban on the import and sale of dog meat, first issued on 4 July 2020. Dr. Ilang noted that while the Gauhati High Court quashed the order – effectively allowing trade to resume – SAWAB-N emphasized promoting awareness, humane alternatives, and responsible practices.
On funding, the Board decided to revise the budget allocation to ensure adequate support for SPCAs, incorporating newly created districts for uniform implementation of welfare activities. Dr Ilang also requested the Nagaland Tourism Association to support awareness initiatives in emerging tourism destinations to promote responsible tourism and give greater visibility to animal welfare.
Other key discussions included wildlife protection, post-creation at the Dimapur Zoological Park, and strengthening SPCA animal shelters. Various Board members presented updates from their departments and suggested measures to enhance animal welfare across the state.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to enhance animal protection, wildlife conservation, and institutional strengthening in Nagaland. Department officials from Municipal Affairs, KMC, SPCAs, AH&VS, Tourism, and Forest were also present.