The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) on Friday said it has withdrawn the appeal to celebrate February 14 as 'Cow Hug Day' following directions from the government amid widespread criticism on social media.
Animal rights activists in Lahore have condemned the Punjab government's culling of stray dogs, citing cruel methods and violation of animal welfare policies.
Assam's 17-year-old Ricky Phukan rode to Kedarnath and back with only his bicycle, a tent and his pet dog Paa, turning a gruelling four-month journey into a campaign for animal welfare.
The notice further said hugging cows will bring "emotional richness" and increase "individual and collective happiness".
A baby Indian Rock Python was safely rescued from the locomotive cabin of the Madgaon-CSMT Janshatabdi Express upon its arrival at CSMT, Mumbai. The incident, occurring during the monsoon season, highlights wildlife seeking shelter and marks the second reptile rescue in the city recently.
Customs officials at Mumbai international airport intercepted an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok with 29 exotic wild animals, including a gibbon, melanistic squirrel, ball python, and iguana. A rescue team was called to identify and stabilise the animals, which will be repatriated to their country of origin.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has instructed officials to ensure the transparent and timely implementation of welfare schemes announced in the budget. She also appealed to the public to take precautions during the ongoing heatwave.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed officials to ensure the transparent and timely implementation of welfare schemes announced in the budget, warning of potential fund reductions for departments failing to utilise allocated budgets effectively.
A row has erupted over former Union minister Maneka Gandhi's appeal to the Jain community to stop using 'picchis' (sacred broom) made of peacock feathers, claiming that their demand fuels illegal wildlife trade.
Nearly 100 stray dogs were allegedly poisoned to death in Mancherial district, Telangana, prompting a police investigation and raising concerns about animal welfare.
Nearly 100 stray dogs were allegedly poisoned to death in Mancherial district, Telangana, prompting a police investigation and raising concerns about animal cruelty.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to submit data on dog bites in the last seven years across the country and the steps taken to check such incidents.
The Union health ministry has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan to strengthen the response to the ongoing Chandipura Virus Disease (CHPV) outbreak.
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government on Wednesday allotted over Rs 1,000 crore to provide gifts of gold coin, ring and milch cows to beneficiaries to fulfill the election promise made by the party ahead of the assembly election this year.
Veterinarians and animal rescuers in Delhi report a surge in cases of heat-related illnesses among birds and stray animals as the city grapples with a severe heatwave. Dehydration, heatstroke, and gastrointestinal infections are rampant, prompting calls for residents to provide water and shade for animals.
The Supreme Court of India has permitted euthanasia for rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous stray dogs to mitigate the threat to human life. The ruling includes several directives to manage the rising stray dog population, emphasising public safety and animal welfare.
The Supreme Court of India has affirmed that the right to live with dignity includes the right to live without the threat of harm from stray dogs, dismissing petitions seeking to overturn earlier directives on relocation and sterilisation.
Three individuals have been arrested in Ahmedabad's Vejalpur area for allegedly slaughtering cows in violation of Gujarat's strict laws against cow slaughter. The arrests followed a police raid on an open field where the act was reportedly taking place.
A photo shoot in Jaipur featuring an elephant painted pink has sparked controversy and animal welfare concerns after the elephant's death. The incident has led to calls for stricter regulations on the use of animals in commercial and artistic activities.
The Supreme Court has suggested that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) consider establishing gaushalas (cowsheds) under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to care for stray animals entering highways. The court also expressed dissatisfaction with several states' efforts to manage stray dog populations and suggested developing an app to report stray animal sightings.
Police in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, arrested a man and rescued seven cows after intercepting a truck allegedly involved in illegal animal transport. The arrest followed a tip-off, leading to the discovery of cows crammed inside the vehicle in poor conditions.
Police in Thane, Maharashtra, are investigating the death of a stray dog at a housing society after a complaint was filed. This follows a separate incident where a resident was accused of threatening to poison stray dogs.
The fresh incident follows killing of nearly 500 stray dogs in different districts of Telangana since January 6.
The Rajasthan High Court has banned night safaris and drone use in the Jawai Leopard Reserve to protect wildlife from disturbance due to unregulated tourism.
Police in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar seized 131 cattle ahead of Bakri Eid, resulting in eight persons being apprehended.
The advisory features a ban on taking or sharing photos and videos of the sacrifice rituals on social media platforms.
The Centre has reviewed the monsoon situation, noting a reduced rainfall deficit and ongoing preparedness for the kharif season amidst El Nino concerns. A high-level meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister discussed measures across various sectors, emphasising continuous monitoring and coordinated action to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture, water resources, and essential commodities.
The move has sparked a political row, with the opposition accusing the BJP of promoting a vegetarian agenda.
Many also displayed a picture of Lord Shiva with a dog seated next to him, symbolising the cultural and spiritual connection between humans and animals.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has warned of strict action against government officials and employees who repeatedly make citizens visit offices to get their work done. He emphasised the government's commitment to holistic development and ensuring welfare schemes reach all eligible citizens during a 'Jan Samvad' programme in Kurukshetra district.
Ten days after the expansion of the BJP government's cabinet in West Bengal, key portfolios have been allocated, with senior leader Tapas Roy taking charge of industries and journalist-turned-politician Swapan Dasgupta appointed finance minister.
Messi, accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Surez and Rodrigo De Paul, was accorded a traditional welcome, featuring folk music, floral greetings and a ceremonial 'Aarti'.
A Sudanese national with fever was admitted to the state-run Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad, taking the total number of Ebola-related admissions at the facility to two, officials said on Friday, while a 19-year-old woman from Uganda has been admitted to a government hospital in Jaipur after showing symptoms similar to Ebola virus infection.
The National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi is facing allegations from its workers' union regarding the death of a jackal. The union claims the animal suffocated inside a bear den after staff used chili powder and fire to force it out. The incident has sparked calls for an independent inquiry and raised concerns about animal welfare protocols at the zoo.
The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, has renamed the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park as 'Patna Zoo' and the Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Dairy Technology as 'Bihar State Institute of Dairy Technology'. The cabinet also approved significant allocations for electricity subsidies, college establishments, and infrastructure projects.
Coach Meiko Okumatsu (NPC Japan) & Coach Dennis Maragia (NPC Kenya) sustained bites while supervising training. Both were immediately attended and provided on-spot medical attention at the Athlete Medical Room.
In a fresh incident of stray dog killings, around 200 canines were allegedly killed in Telangana's Kamareddy district, taking the toll to about 500 in the last one week, police said on Tuesday.
The Trinamool Congress government's massive defeat in West Bengal shows "deep anti-incumbency and unpopularity" as out of 35 ministers who contested the assembly elections, 22 have been defeated, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her constituency.
Forest authorities in Thane, Maharashtra, are investigating two incidents of monkeys being shot with arrows in the Yeoor forest and are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the culprits.
Murmu said in the Indian culture, the presence of God is seen in all creatures. "The belief that our Gods and sages communicated with animals is also based on the same philosophy," she said.