Kathmandu, July 2 – A one-day consultation program on animal welfare titled “Challenges, Gaps and Opportunities for Action and the Need for a Comprehensive Animal Welfare Act”, organized by Animal Nepal, concluded in Kathmandu on Wednesday, July 2 (2025).
Honorable Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mr. Ramnath Adhikari, speaking as the chief guest, stated that discussions regarding the ‘Animal Welfare Act’ are ongoing at the ministry level. He mentioned that although the Ministry of Law suggested drafting four separate laws, his ministry has rejected that proposal in favor of a single, unified legal framework. The Minister also assured that the suggestions and papers presented at the event would be taken into account.
Minister Adhikari informed that a committee has been formed to promote animal welfare and address immediate concerns. Emphasizing the government’s commitment, Minister Adhikari said the upcoming legislation will be designed to remain effective and relevant for century, and that the government is preparing to introduce the law soon in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Director General, Department of Livestock Services, Mr. Ramananda Tiwari, Presented the worksheet entitled’ Navigating Barrirs and Advancing Implementation Remarks: ‘Addressing Institutional and Policy Changes in Animal Welfare.’
Tiwari clarified that effective implementation of animal welfare laws is possible only through active cooperation among all concerned stakeholders. He added that discussions are ongoing within the Ministry’s committee to formulate appropriate legislation and welcomed collective input and support to develop a widely accepted law.
During the technical session of the program, Ms. Sulakshana Rana, Program Director at Animal Nepal, delivered a presentation titled “ On Ground Realities: Challenges in Advancing Animal Welfare and the Urgent Need for a Comprehensive Legal Framework.” She highlighted how the lack of a unified Animal Welfare Act has hindered progress in the sector. Rana emphasized that every living being has the right to live freely and expressed concern that despite existing animal welfare standards, lack of enforcement has led to suffering among animals.
Senior Livestock Development Officer, Dr. Abhas Paudel, presented worksheet on “Current Efforts by the Department of Livestock Services Toward Developing the Animal Welfare Act.” He shared the government’s ongoing initiatives and commitments, elaborating on topics such as human-animal relations, animal welfare and rights, provisions in the Civil Code, animal transport standards of 2064 B.S., and the current draft status of the proposed Animal Welfare Act.
Dr. Paudel emphasized the importance of a unified voice through the Animal Welfare Federation to push for an effective act. He stated that the department promotes humane practices in animal husbandry and meat production.
Advocate\Associate Professor Gyanu Gautam presented a legal vision under the title “Reimagining the Animal Welfare Act for Nepal.” He stressed the need for legislation based on the principles of animal life, liberty, health, safety, and prevention of cruelty.
In the second part of the event, an open discussion session was held where participants shared their views, questions, and recommendations. Mr. Pramod Shah from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development presented the government’s perspective on “Current Status and Process of the Animal Welfare Act Draft,” underlining the urgency of legal action.
A representative from the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs also spoke about the legislative process and key legal considerations to be addressed in drafting the Act.
Parliamentarian and Chairperson , Agriculture, Cooperative and Natural Resources Committee, Hon. Kusum Devi Thapa, expressed her commitment to holding continuous consultations with stakeholders to develop appropriate legislation to prevent cruelty against animals.
Founder President of Animal Nepal, Ms. Pramada Shah, underscored the urgency of introducing a proper Animal Welfare Act. She asserted that such a law would significantly reduce cruelty against animals and noted the importance of timely amendments to keep it relevant.
In the closing remarks, Animal Nepal’s President, Ms. Shobha Rayamajhi, highlighted the organization’s 16-year journey since its establishment in 2009 AD. She outlined the work done, challenges faced, and the organization’s future direction in addressing animal cruelty and promoting welfare. Currently, Animal Nepal is focused on farm animal welfare, particularly in animal transportation. She emphasized the organization’s primary goal of working in coordination with the government to promote animal welfare.
President Rayamajhi also stressed the importance of ethical values in society to prevent animal cruelty, citing the example of donkeys. She highlighted the urgent need for ‘Animal Welfare Act’ and shared the organization’s ongoing efforts and practices in the field. She also pointed to ongoing efforts to resolve human-wildlife conflict by offering recommendations to concerned authorities. She expressed hope that with everyone’s support, Animal Nepal will be recognized as a leading organization on international platforms.
The program was moderated by Ms. Laxmi Khatri, Field Supervisor of Animal Nepal . Attendees included the Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister, department heads, Members of Parliament, government representatives from various ministries, organization representatives, animal rights activists, and journalists.
The event brought to the forefront the immediate necessity of building a comprehensive legal framework to improve animal welfare in Nepal. It highlighted the need for collaboration and commitment among stakeholders for effective policy formulation and implementation.
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