New Delhi: Gujarat holds the fourth position in the country for the number of cattle shelters or gaushalas, following Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, the Union government stated in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Responding to a written query during the ongoing winter session of Parliament, the government revealed that Gujarat has 1,689 gaushalas. It also stated that the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) recognized 51 animal welfare organizations nationwide in 2023-24, but none were from Gujarat.

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, in his reply, stated:

As per the Article 246(3) of Constitution of India, preservation, protection and improvement of stock and prevention of animal diseases; veterinary training and practice are under State list for which the States have exclusive powers to make laws.

As per Article 243(W) of Constitution of India, the local bodies are responsible for cattle pounds and pinjrapole. Therefore, the State may also endow panchayats to establish and run Cattle Pounds (Kanji Houses)/ Gaushala Shelters (community assets) to keep stray cattle. Many States have established Gaushalas and Shelter houses for stray cattle and provide for feeding of those animals. The information regarding the shelter homes in the country is not maintained. The gaushala also provides shelters to the Stray Cattle. As per information captured in the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS), 2023-24 number of State-wise number of gaushalas in both Government and Non-Government sector is as under:

Source: Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics-2024

Further, the Animal Welfare Board of India is recognizing the Animal Welfare Organizations. During the year 2023-24, the Animal Welfare Board of India has recognized 51 Animal Welfare Organizations, the State-wise list is as under:

A total of 24 complaints were received in Animal Welfare Board of India during the year 2023-24 regarding cruelty inflicted to stray animals including death in the animal shelter due to negligence, lack of space and other facilities.

The management and control of stray animals is the mandate of the State Government through their local bodies. The State Government is establishing the gaushalas and providing grants. In view of the matter is dealt by the State, the Central Government is not considering an increase in financial allocation.