KOLKATA: The state animal resources development department is conducting a survey on domesticated animals in Bengal for the Centre's 21st livestock census across the country.
Several pet owners in Kolkata and suburbs are reportedly hiding their furry babies from the prying eyes of the census, according to officials who are facing challenges in conducting the survey.
They are seeking the help of the civic and urban municipal bodies to pre-empt resistance or reluctance by the pet owners.
The officials lamented that several people are reluctant to reveal their ownership of pets, mostly pedigree dogs, for fear of any additional tax burden being imposed on them.
The survey began on Sept 1 and is conducted by the Centre in all states at an interval of every five years. It also includes pet dogs and cats along with other domesticated animals.
Although the survey was supposed to be concluded in Bengal on Dec 31, the deadline has been extended until Feb, said Utpal Kumar Karmakar, managing director of the West Bengal Livestock Development Corporation (WBLDC).
"We have already started corresponding with the local municipal bodies, including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation, about the census," said a senior official of the state animal resources development department. According to a notification by Vivek Kumar, additional chief secretary of the department, the census is to be conducted at households in the city, all urban areas, and villages, including defence establishments, paramilitary forces, and police departments.
The data from the census will be uploaded on the Govt of India's web portal by enumerators who have a mobile application for this.
Now the question arises that with several pet owners in the city and urban areas staying away from the survey, the accurate number of the state's livestock may not be reflected in the census report, according to sources.
"The census is a five-yearly exercise as it counts the number of domesticated animals, poultry, and strays, covering around 30 crore households across the country. The census aims at helping the govt address key issues like disease control, rural livelihoods, breed and health improvements, and productivity. In villages, people are cooperating, but the challenge is in the city and urban areas where most of the pet owners are avoiding us. They are scared they will have to pay extra tax," said the official.
Recently, CM Mamata Banerjee said Bengal has become the country's highest animal protein producer, overtaking Uttar Pradesh.
Pet enthusiast Sourav Bose, a resident of Southern Avenue, said, "There should be awareness about the livestock census by the govt. Most of the pet owners have not heard of it and naturally, they become confused."
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