Govt has no policy to protect ailing or ageing pony – R.K. Nimai
Reena Nongmaithem & Laishram Ranbir
Days after Imphal Times report on the ailing Pony seen wandering in the streets of Imphal city fails to drew the attention of any government or non-government agencies, R.K. Nimai, consultant to the government of Manipur today said that as of now the state government has no policy for protection or rearing of the ageing or ailing Pony.
“As of now the state government is preparing a Pony Policy and is likely to be completed for public circulation by May this year”, RK Nimai said in an exclusive meeting with our reporters.
It is because of this that Pony cannot be declared as critically endangered species which number is not over 1000, added the consultant to the Govt. of Manipur said.
On seeing the ailing pony wandering in the streets of Imphal near state Veterinary Office, Sanjenthong, Imphal Times had not only carry news-report on how the ailing pony is being neglected but also filed written complaint to take care of the pony to the Director of State veterinary and Animal Husbandry department. The Director had assured Imphal Times representative to provide all possible treatment but said that they can no longer keep the pony if the owner failed to turn up by the next day. As said the Pony was seen once more wandering helplessly in front of the State veterinary office on the following day.
“There is no Veterinary doctor at the State veterinary hospital who can deal the ailments of pony”, Dr. Nimai, the retired IAS officer said.
Regarding the problem created by the Pony to the traffic in Imphal, Dr. Nimai said that no domestic animals either it may be cow or pony or any other animals are allowed to be sent out in the municipality area. However, the IMC is not enforcing the rules since the last 3 years, said Dr. Nimai.
On the fate of Pony, Dr. Nimai said that state government had already established a Pony sanctuary at Heingang.
“The sanctuary is not enough, we need to establish more then 5/6 pony sanctuary at different places of Manipur”, Dr. Nimai said.
Secretary of Manipur Pony Society, Ibungochoubi while sharing his views said that the Pony are seen at the streets of Imphal because there are no grazing field for the pony in the periphery of Imphal area.
“The natural grazing field at Lamphel pat area has all been occupied for construction of various infrastructures and there is hardly any place left now for the animals”, said Ibungochoubi.
He also questioned the people to ponder on why the animals (pony) are sent out in the street of Imphal.
On being asked whether the kind of Pony that had been highlighted by Imphal Times need mercy killing, Ibungochoubi said that we need a public discourse over the issue.
Ibungochoubi further stated that the state government need to protect the grazing field of the Pony or other domestic animals in and around the periphery of Imphal town.
Mention may be made that Pony is the pride of Manipur as it is the animals that gave birth to the Polo games and the state government has always been talking about protecting and preserving the animals. However, there are certain critic in the last few years as the animals are seen left uncared in Imphal city
