Government announces intent to notify rules for regulating livestock markets and care of animals seized in cruelty cases

[vikas]

Humane Society International/India and People for Animals welcome Centre’s decision

NEW DELHI (Jan 20, 2017)—The Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change today announced plans to issue rules prescribing a comprehensive procedure for care, cost, maintenance, veterinary treatment and overall wellbeing of animals seized from markets and from cases of animal cruelty. The rules will be published for public comments before being notified.

Humane Society International/India and People for Animals have played a significant role approaching the judiciary for the government to implement these rules.

Every year, tens of thousands of cattle are routinely smuggled across the borders into Nepal for sacrifice and Bangladesh for slaughter. Animals confiscated during such transport are either returned to the accused pending litigation, or auctioned. In both scenarios, the animals return to the trade, defeating the purpose of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. In a similar vein, the absence of regulation means animals in livestock markets are routinely denied access to food, water, veterinary facilities and other basic amenities.

In a petition filed in Supreme Court against smuggling of cattle to Nepal for the Gadhimai sacrifice, the Hon’ble Court sought for recommendations from the stakeholders for preventing such activities. The recommendations included formations of State Animal Welfare Board at state level, Society for prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCA) at district level, regulation of livestock markets, establishment of procedures to deal with case property animals among other things. The Hon’ble Court observed the necessity of these aforementioned regulations and recorded the recommendations in its order.

Gauri Maulekhi, trustee at PFA and government liaison for HSI/India said, “We welcome this move of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. If the Government can seriously implement these rules, it will help save indigenous cattle.These rules will help bring much-needed respite to tens of thousands of animals who are subjected to unthinkable cruelty in livestock markets.”

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change made the announcement at a press conference held in New Delhi today. These rules are being framed in compliance of directions given by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.