"Yes, we have taken cognisance of the ministry notification permitting culling of certain animals. It is also felt that there are better and more humane ways to address issues of man-animal conflict", AWBI chairman RM Kharb told ET. NEW DELHI: While the environment ministry has defended the permission it had given for culling Nilgai and other 'vermin,' the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has stepped in to take up the issue officially with the ministry, following an outburst by women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi AWBI is a statutory advisory body under the environment ministry and had taken a strong stand against the ministry permitting the rural bull-taming sport, Jallikattu, in Tamil Nadu . We have circulated the notification to all our 22 board members and have asked them to inform us of their view on the issue and whether they support it or not.Normally, AWBI condemns any kind of animal killing. Kharb added that all members are expected to respond within 48 hours and depending on the unanimity in views, the board would take it up with the environment ministry.The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations, backed by a hundred animal welfare organisations including the Satpuda Foundation and Timbaktu Collective, too has questioned the culling.

Source: Economic Times June 10, 2016 20:06 UTC