Vets Beyond Borders Australia

Published 11 Apr 2011

Media Release February 2011.

The National Humane Animal Handling training programme was launched today at Jeevashram Shelter, Village Rajokri. Chief guest Major General Kharb, Chairman of the Animal Welfare Board of India, was joined by Gurgaon Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tharpa, Dr Catherine Schuetze, Executive Director Vets Beyond Borders India, Dr Mark Johnson, Global Wildlife Resources and Dr Vinod Sharma, Director Jeevashram Shelter.

Experienced animal handlers and dog catchers travelled from all over India to attend this training after which they will be certified as Master Animal Handlers. When they return home they will be given the task of training all the dog catchers in their region in these new and humane methods.

“Dog catching and animal handling is a highly skilled and sometimes dangerous profession. When there is a rabid dog endangering the community, these brave persons are called on to catch the suspected rabid dog and remove it from harm’s way, thus protecting the community at large. “ says Dr Catherine from Vets Beyond Borders, who are running this training initiative in partnership with Brigitte Bardot Foundation, Animal Welfare Board of India, Global Wildlife Resources and Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon.

“These dog catchers are key to successful Animal Birth Control Anti-Rabies programs (ABC-AR). Inhumane dog catching has jeopardized ABC-AR programs in several places due to public outcry and negative publicity gained. This training is so important to improve the quality and community support of stray dog population and rabies control programs throughout India.” Said Major General Kharb in his opening address. “We wish to thank Dr Mark Johnson, world leader in animal capture and humane handling, for travelling all the way from the USA to lead this program. “

For more information about this training program and ABC-AR programs contact:
Maj Gen Dr Kharb
Chairman, AWBI
Ph: 0124-4105664
E: rmkawbi@yahoo.co.in