The commitment was made in response to directions issued in March by the Animal Welfare Board of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India that internationally approved procedures must be followed in order to minimise the animals' distress.

The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), of which India is member, is the intergovernmental authority responsible for improving animal health worldwide.

Bringing together expertise from veterinary practitioners around the world, the OIE has developed standards and procedures for the culling of animals during disease outbreaks.

"We hope that these guidelines are implemented on the ground during cull operations. FIAPO, through its member organizations will keep a strict vigil and ensure implementation," said Arpan Sharma, CEO of FIAPO.

"By mandating more humane approaches in implementing disease control measures, the Andhra Pradesh government is taking an important step toward improving the treatment of farm animals," said N.G. Jayasimha, manager of HSI's factory farming campaign in India.

The Animal Welfare Board of India has also supported Humane Society International's request that nitrogen and/or other inert gases or barbiturate injection must be used as first choices when euthanizing affected farm animals, as these methods cause the least amount of pain and result in less overall suffering.