In a significant step toward strengthening animal welfare and managing stray dogs in the Union Territory of Ladakh, a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)  was signed on October 10 between the Municipal Committee, Leh, Thiksey Monastery, and the Chamba Animal Welfare Society, Leh for the construction, establishment, operation, and management of a Dog Pound facility at Thiksey, Leh.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Housing & Urban Development / Tourism & Culture Department, UT Ladakh.

Under the agreement, the Municipal Committee Leh will coordinate with the Housing and Urban Development Department for funding under the Grant-in-Aid for Creation of Capital Assets and oversee the construction of the Dog Pound. Thiksey Monastery, in coordination with the Chamba Animal Welfare Society, will allocate suitable land on a 40-year lease for the facility, ensuring community cooperation and local support.

The Chamba Animal Welfare Society will be responsible for the operation and management of the Dog Pound, including feeding, shelter, medical care, vaccination, sterilization, and adoption of stray dogs in compliance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. The Society will also conduct awareness campaigns to promote responsible pet ownership and humane treatment of animals.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, appreciated the collaborative efforts of all three partners, stating that the partnership reflects Ladakh’s commitment to a cleaner, compassionate, and sustainable urban environment. He directed the Executive Officer of the Municipal Committee Leh and the Chamba Animal Welfare Society to prepare a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) within 15 days for a facility capable of accommodating 2,000 dogs, and to finalize the lease deed agreement for the project site.