The “inhumane” culling of ducks in Kerala has invited the attention of the Animal Welfare Board of India.
The board has asked the State Animal Husbandry Department to adopt humane culling practices for containing avian influenza.
The killing of birds by setting them on fire, as done in some areas, was in violation of provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. While culling birds, the procedures laid down under the Action Plan of Animal Husbandry for Preparedness, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza have to be followed, said a communication issued by V. Vinod Kumaar, Secretary-in-charge of the board said.
The action plan states that the birds should be anaesthetised with Sodium Phenobarbital, mixed with water, four hours prior to culling. After anesthetisation, the birds shall be culled by cervical dislocation. The dead birds should be packed in bags and disposed of in identified sites, the communication said.
