Kathmandu - February 10, 2010 - The Animal Welfare Network Nepal calls for better protection of animals under the new constitution and laws of Nepal. The network of animal welfare organizations today organized a workshop with Constituent Assembly members called “Animals and the Law”. All 601 members received an information kit about the subject.
According to the network different due to the weak legal status of animals, various forms of animal cruelty are practiced inside Nepal. “The existing laws lack enforcement due to different loopholes and a lack of commitment. In fact, Nepal remains one of the few countries in the world without an animal welfare act,” said Pramada Shah, President of the network.
Animal rights campaigners in Nepal aim to make animal protection a part of constitution. According to the network governments across the world increasingly ensure the rights of animals in their laws, with the European Union leading the Western countries. “Once animals are given protection in the constitution then the rights of animals will be ensured in different laws,” said campaigners Dr Govinda Tandon, Malika Nepal and Manoj Gautam.