Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in accordance with section 50 of the Local Government Act 2011 as subsequently amended, the responsibility of the removal and safe disposal of dead animals from public roads and other locations rest with local authorities. The burial of animal carcasses is regulated under the Animal Disease Act of 1925. At present, I am informed that there is no officially designated burial ground for dead animals under the purview of local authorities. In practice, scavenging teams collect animal carcasses from roadsides or other locations either upon complaints or during routine inspection. These carcasses are treated with lime, seal in plastic bags and transported to transfer stations for appropriate disposals. I am further informed that in 2022, a motion was made by the hon. Member who was then serving as District Councillor, to identify a burial site for diseased animal within the

80 Surinam Cemetery or of the suitable location in the Savanne region. This proposal is still under consideration. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as regard the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, I am advised that no State land has yet been specifically allocated for the burial of pets. Nonetheless, a formal request for this purpose was submitted by the Ministry of Agro- Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries to the Ministry of Housing and Lands during the first week of July. Furthermore, the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare (MSAW) operating under the aegis of Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries provide disposal services for the carcasses of dogs, cats and other small animals. These services are provided upon payment typically ranging from Rs1500 to Rs3000 and include both the collection and cremation of carcasses at the incinerator located at Bassin Requin, Belle Mare. This facility operates under the Division of Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agro- Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries and is open from Monday to Saturday. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Ministry of Health and Wellness plays an important role in ensuring that any animal burial site complies with public health standards. I am informed that should there be any disposal or need to bury pets in existing cemeteries where land is available, prior approval from the Ministry of Health and Wellness is mandatory to ensure that all sanitary and public health requirements are strictly observed. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, environmental considerations also play an important role. The Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, through its Solid Waste Management Division, is tasked with ensuring that burial sites do not pose any risk of environmental contamination. In particular, any proposed pet cemetery must be located at least 30 metres away from the water resources, drains or similar features to prevent contamination and to address potential impacts related to climate change. The proposal to construct a new incinerator for dead animals at Saint Martin has been proposed in 2025-2026 budgetary framework. However, the establishment of such a facility or pet burial site would necessitate a comprehensive feasibility study and significant public investment. In addition to initial capital expenditure, ongoing costs such as staffing, equipment maintenance and utilities must also be considered. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, given the complexity of this issue, including consideration of public health environment protection, land use and financial implication, I am proposing the

81 establishment of a technical committee and this committee will comprise relatively of the Ministry of Agro-Industry, MSAW, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health and Wellness and my Ministry. Its mandate will be to develop a comprehensive project proposal addressing the burial and disposal of deceased animals. I am personally liaising with the hon. Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries to advance in this initiative. Thank you.

The hon. Second Member for Vieux Grand Port and Rose Belle! TERRE ROUGE/VERDUN LINK ROAD – COST & DURATION – REPAIRS/REHABILITATION WORKS