‘Regulate Dog Breeding, Enforce Mandatory Microchipping,’ Demand Animal Rights Activists

Animal rights activists staged a demonstration at Maiti Ghar Mandala on Sunday, demanding strict legislation. They urged the government to immediately enact the ‘Animal Welfare Act’. The activists appealed to the new government to promptly implement this law, which had been left pending for years by the previous administration. Carrying slogans such as ‘Animals have the right to live on this earth; they must not be killed,’ they raised their voices in protest.

During the protest, the activists publicly presented a 16-point demand prepared by the Sara Janawar Udhar Kendra (Sara Animal Rescue Center). They highlighted the outdated and weak nature of Nepal’s existing animal-related laws and called for the new government to introduce a comprehensive act to protect animal rights. One key demand is to impose strict penalties, including imprisonment ranging from 5 to 10 years and fines of millions of rupees, for any cruelty against domestic animals such as dogs.

The activists also called for the application of scientific standards in animal husbandry, transport, and slaughterhouses, along with the formation of a dedicated committee to supervise and regulate cattle and dog farms. They urged the immediate cessation of trapping and killing monkeys using snares. They identified negligence at dog breeding centers as a primary cause of the increasing stray dog problem and insisted on stringent regulation of these centers. Moreover, they demanded mandatory registration and microchipping of animals like dogs and cats.

Vishwaram Karki, director of Sara Janawar Udhar Kendra, stated, “There is currently a move in parliament to authorize killing monkeys. But we firmly assert that no animal should be harmed. Until their rights are protected, we will continue our protests.” The demonstration saw significant participation from local animal lovers, volunteers, and representatives of various animal welfare organizations. The activists also warned that the movement would continue as long as the government failed to address their demands.