The Animal Funeral Conclave, a one-of-a-kind conference carrying the theme “A Conclave on Animal Cremation & Burial Technology and Services” took place today at PHDCCI’s headquarters in New Delhi.
The conference brought together experts in the field of pet bereavement, environmentalism, and sustainability, as well as pet owners and animal lovers. With a focus on pet ownership and pet loss grief and its environmental impact and sustainability, the Animal Funeral Conclave aimed to provide a platform for dialogue and discussion on the important issues that surround end-of-life care for our beloved pets, including bereavement, sustainability, and environmental impact.
The conference featured keynote speeches, and panel discussions by industry leaders and experts, who shared their knowledge, insights, and best practices with attendees.
Shri Parshottam Rupala, Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, started his note of address by appreciating PHDCCI for organizing a conclave on such a sensitive topic. He further asked the chamber to collaborate with the legal advisory committee and identify funeral-related activities through a draft recommendation to be added for future policies, and assured full support from the government. This will also help in outreach and awareness of the issue of Animal Cremation & Burial Technology and Services
The Hon’ble Minister further informed us, there is no such system where the deaths of animals are recorded, and we are in the evolving stage of an idea to launch an initiative where there will be birth and death registers for animals. The focus should be on the identification of a particular activity for animal funding on a priority basis, and then the CSR funds shall be arranged accordingly.
The Government is also planning to launch the 1962 Mobile Veterinary Service at a national level, added Hon’ble Minister.
In his welcome address, Col. Saurabh Sanyal, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, informed, some various organizations and associations are aimed at making funeral arrangements for our pets more humanely and respectfully. However, most people are not aware of the process of cremation and pet cemeteries in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
Dr. J P Singh Sahni, Director, All India Cremation Federation, said, the main advantage of animal cremation is that it is a more eco-friendly, sustainable, and hygienic way of disposing of the remains of pets. During the cremation process, the temperature is kept between 1400-1800 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mr. Dhirenkumar Buch, Director, Shivang Furnaces and Ovens Industries, emphasized that there shall be certain important environmental considerations for animal cremation; lower carbon footprint, advanced scrubber systems, waste heat utilization, reduction to ashes, and advanced control systems.
Ms. Dorothy Ghosh, Founder and Managing Trustee, Kalyani Animal Welfare Foundation, informed, for animal body disposal, cremation is better than burial as cremation can reduce the volume of germs that emanate from the body in case of disease-related deaths, while the burial spaces are limited, and it is our duty as citizens to save the environment.
Mr. Naveen Seth, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, explained, “The Animal Funeral Conclave will be a great platform and instrumental in transforming the much-needed infrastructure for performing the last rituals of our beloved pets.”
Mr. Harjinder Singh Cheema, Chairman, of Cheema Boilers Ltd. said, the need is the mother of invention, and there is a need for a smokeless machine for cremation as every animal deserves a respectful disposal.
Mrs. Ramaben Mavani, Ex-Member of Parliament, said, the beginning of every great movement starts from our homes. As per the Hindu Shastra, it is our responsibility to perform the last rites of our beloved ones respectfully.
Mr. Jas Kalra, President, The Earth Saviours Foundation, Gurgaon, Every single day, various animals face animal cruelty in their daily lives and they need our assistance for food, water and, pure air. They deserve the same dignity and comfort as human beings, for which we need to educate our youth to spread awareness.