Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been conferred with an award by animal rights body PETA India for allocating funds to feed community animals in Odisha during the lockdown over the novel coronavirus pandemic.
It comes after the state government sanctioned Rs 54 lakh to feed stray animals in five municipal corporations and all 48 municipalities as they are struggling to find food during the lockdown.
Recognising his efforts, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India announced the 'Hero to Animals Award' for Patnaik. He received a framed certificate and a letter of appreciation, it said in a statement.
Patnaik thanked the PETA India for the recognition and appealed to everyone to be compassionate and support lives near us during these hard times.
"Thanks @PETAIndia for the recognition. In this distressing times, the usual activities of taking care of community animals... has taken a back seat," Patnaik tweeted. "I appeal everyone to support lives near us during these hard times."