Govt supervision must for dog shows: TN informs HC

Tamil Nadu government today submitted in the Madras High Court that it was necessary to have government supervision for dog shows to prevent any harm to the animals.
The Additional Secretary to the Animal Husbandry department made the submission in a counter through the Additional Government Pleader R.Sanjay Gandhi in connection with a plea filed by the Madras Canine Club apprehending interference from the Animal Welfare Board of India for conducting dog shows.
It was submitted that the Government Dog Breeding Centre at Saidapet here was set up to avoid extinction of native breeds like Rajapalayam and Chippiparai.
It further said "it is irrelevant whether a dog show is 'Exhibition or Performing Animals or 'Beauty Contest or Fashion Show', what is more important is to make sure that the protection of animals from cruelty is not compromised at any cost. ... However simple and bonafide the show or exhibition may be, there must be government supervision to avoid any harm to these animals."

The counter said when a private party is willing to organize such shows or exhibitions, then in such cases government departments which deal with the health, vaccination and protection of animals must be consulted and made participants and any violations can be identified and penalized.
The counter said "... Even to showcase the skills of the dogs in a show, there is a possibility of forcing an animal to unnecessary pain and suffering to perform such skills.."
In the guise of exhibition, the organisers try and derive monetary benefit from the animals even without considering the health and pain of the animal, it said.

"It is essential to depute government supervisor in the cadre of veterinary Assistant Surgeon/ Assistant Director to monitor over those shows/exhibitions.