KATHMANDU: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari has announced that the much-awaited Animal Welfare Act will be introduced under the current government.
Speaking at a national discussion program on animal welfare challenges and legal provisions organized by Animal Nepal, Minister Adhikari said the draft of the Animal Welfare Act has already been prepared and that consultations with relevant stakeholders will begin soon to finalize the legislation.
“We are committed to passing the Animal Welfare Act during this government’s term,” Minister Adhikari said, noting that legal reform is essential to addressing cruelty and improving the treatment of animals across the country.
Prominent animal rights activist and founder of Animal Nepal, Pramada Shah, highlighted the urgency of the Act, saying it would help reduce cruelty toward animals and bring legal clarity.
“The law must also evolve with time to remain effective and relevant,” she added.
Dr. Abhas Paudel, Senior Livestock Officer at the Department of Livestock Services, gave a presentation on human-animal relations, animal welfare principles, and existing provisions in the Civil Code. He suggested that a unified voice through the Animal Welfare Federation could increase advocacy and impact for the legislation.
Program coordinator of Animal Nepal, Sulakshana Rana, stressed the importance of ensuring the right of every living being to exist freely. She expressed concern that although animal welfare guidelines exist, lack of enforcement has continued to cause suffering for animals in Nepal.
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