Crematorium for dogs, cats and all other pets to come up in Odisha

Pets are a true companion in a person’s life. Be it dogs, cats or any other animals and birds, they become an inseparable part and become a member of the family. As the number of pet owners is rising in Odisha, Congress MLA Sofia Firdous on Wednesday raised a pertinent question in the Odisha Assembly.

In a question to the Fisheries and Animal Resources Department, the Congress MLA asked, “Can the government consider the establishment of dedicated pet crematoriums in major cities, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, to ensure the respectful and environmentally sound disposal of deceased pets?”

Sofia Firdous further wanted to know how could the government assess the potential environmental and public health benefits of such facilities, and what impact could this have on the community, particularly in reducing illegal burial practices and promoting responsible pet ownership?

In his reply, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra said, “Till date, it has not been considered for the establishment of dedicated pet crematorium in major cities, including Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. However, the proposal is praiseworthy. Evaluating the environmental aspect and public health benefits, necessary steps will be taken to create such facilities in consultation with the stakeholders and experts in the field."