Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) organised for a press meet in the city to announce about "Prani Mitra Awards" to be presented and about the various activities undertaken by the board. Speaking to the media, Justice Guman Mal Lodha, Chairman, AWBI said that four people from Bijnor, UP, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad have been selected for this year's awards. Out of this, two people had given up their lives for saving the lives of Animals.The award ceremony would be held on 30th October 1999 at Ahmedabad.Governor of Gujarat would confer the Awards and Mrs. Maneka Gandhi would be present as the Chief Guest at the function.

Justice Lodha said that the board is always there for Animal protection and whenever there is any violation, the board has lodged strong protest against the violators. He pointed out that at the outset of a recent reporting in "The New Indian Express" about the brutal killings of stray dogs by authorities, the board lodged its strong protest to the concerned authorities. Jus.Lodha also emphasised the need for protection of cows from illegal slaughter.

A sub committee consisting of Mr.Sripal, IPS, Mr.Kishen Chand Chordia and other eminent personalities from the city has been formed to advice the board on various activities to be undertaken by the board, he added.