The Animal Husbandry Department, Leh, in collaboration with the World Veterinary Services (WVS) Taskforce, conducted a week-long training programme for departmental veterinary personnel from September 21 to 26 at the ABC Clinic, Changspa.

The training focused on strengthening field capacity in small-animal clinical care. Four departmental veterinarians received hands-on training in surgical procedures, while two paravets were trained in veterinary assistant skills. Three other departmental veterinarians participated as volunteers and supported the practical sessions.

The six-day programme combined classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice at the Changspa facility. The collaboration with the WVS Taskforce aimed to familiarise departmental staff with current protocols in anaesthesia, surgical care, patient handling and veterinary assistance, while strengthening skills applicable to routine livestock and stray animal services across Leh district.

As part of the training, 37 stray dogs were sterilised and vaccinated against rabies. In addition, three cats were sterilised, and femoral disarticulation surgery was performed on one dog.

The training was part of the department’s efforts to enhance clinical competence and strengthen the implementation of the Animal Birth Control and Anti-Rabies Programme in Leh.