V Senthil Kumar
Rangat, August 5: Farmers, livestock owners, and pet owners in Rangat have appealed to the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to urgently post a full-time Senior Veterinary Officer at Rangat Veterinary Hospital, stating that the absence of senior veterinary services is causing significant hardship.
According to local residents, cattle, goats, pigs, poultry, dogs, cats, and other domestic animals are not receiving timely expert diagnosis and treatment. During emergencies such as accidents, difficult deliveries, infectious diseases, and other critical conditions, animal owners reportedly face delays and are often forced to travel to other places for specialized veterinary care.
Residents said that the shortage of senior veterinary services is affecting vaccination programmes, disease control, artificial insemination, livestock health, and overall animal welfare. Farmers also fear financial losses due to illness, reduced productivity, and delayed treatment of livestock.
Pet owners have also expressed concern that the lack of a Senior Veterinary Officer makes it difficult to obtain timely medical care for their animals, especially during emergencies.
The Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services maintains a veterinary hospital at Rangat, and departmental documents identify a Senior Veterinary Officer position associated with the hospital.
Residents have urged the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services to take immediate steps to ensure uninterrupted veterinary services by filling any vacant post and strengthening veterinary healthcare facilities at Rangat in the interest of farmers, livestock owners, pet owners, and the welfare of animals.
