Animal rights activists in Bengal to study animal welfare laws

Animal rights activists and NGOs working for animal rights in West Bengal will attend a two-day training session beginning June 20 on animal welfare laws and the Indian criminal justice system, organisers said Wednesday.

Animal rights advocates and activists will help train the participants from Kolkata as well as districts in the "Train-the-Trainer" workshops instituted by Humane Society International India (HSI India) in collaboration with Animal Welfare Board of India and Cape Foundation, Kolkata.

According to Arkaprava Bhar, manager of HSI India's Protect Farm Animal campaign, the lack of knowledge about animal welfare laws limits the actions of NGOs and lawyers in protecting the animals.

Radhika Bose, founder of Cape Foundation, Kolkata said: "Local NGOs and animal welfare advocates in the city may be unaware of animal welfare laws and even the bare minimum to report or address any animal cruelty issue."

The workshop, scheduled to be held at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Kolkata, will strengthen capacity building and knowledge and result in better co-operation with law enforcement authorities, Bhar said.