Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, January 24, 2026:
In a decisive move to prevent cruelty to animals and ensure public safety, the District Magistrate, Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), has issued a strict order prohibiting the practice of leaving bovine animals unattended within Kishtwar town and its adjoining areas.
The order has been issued in view of growing concern over bovine animals, particularly cows, being left unattended by their owners and allowed to roam freely on public roads, streets, and other open public places. The administration observed that such practices become especially hazardous during the winter and snowfall season, exposing animals to extreme cold, starvation, accidents, and avoidable suffering.
The District Magistrate noted that unattended bovine animals not only face neglect and cruelty but also pose a serious threat to public safety by obstructing traffic and causing inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists. The order categorically states that leaving bovine animals unattended under harsh climatic conditions amounts to neglect and cruelty, which is in violation of the spirit and provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Accordingly, all owners of bovine animals in Kishtwar town and its surrounding areas have been directed to ensure that their animals are properly sheltered and not left unattended or allowed to roam as waifs on public roads, streets, open spaces, or other public places, particularly during the winter and snowfall period.
The order further warns that if any bovine animal is found roaming unattended outside designated shelters and its ownership is established, the concerned owner(s) shall be liable for imposition of fines and penal action under the applicable provisions of law, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, without prejudice to any other action warranted.
To ensure strict enforcement, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Kishtwar, and the Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Council, Kishtwar, have been directed to implement the order in letter and spirit.
The District Information Officer, Kishtwar, has been asked to give wide publicity to the order so that the general public and livestock owners are fully aware of their responsibilities.
The order has come into immediate effect and aims to safeguard animal welfare while maintaining public order and safety during the ongoing winter season in the district.
