Odisha asked to prevent cruel cattle transport

http://www.business-standard.com/generalnews/news/odisha-asked-to-prevent-cruel-cattle-transport/49754/

The Orissa High Court today directed the state government to conscientiously follow the suggestions made by Chennai-based Animal Welfare Board of India to check the perilous manner in which cattle are transported from the state. 

Asking the Director General of Police to upgrade night patrolling on National Highways, the court directed the state police to register cases under the provisions of Prevention of Cruelty (Animals) Act against the persons transporting cattle in a hazardous manner. 

Disposing of two PILs pertaining to illegal trafficking of cattle, a Division Bench of Chief Justice V Gopala Gowda and Justice S K Mishra also asked the police to rescue the cattle that are transported in an inhuman manner and seize the vehicles in which they are transported. 

This direction came in the wake of two PILs filed by social organisations — Legal Support and Social Action (Lessa) and Viswa Gosurakhshya Vahini (VGV).

The petitioners had also maintained that aged cows without being fed or provided with drinking water are transported long distances as a result some of them meet tragic end during transportation. 

They had also argued that the cattle are taken to slaughter houses in terrifying manner which violates the provisions of Prevention of Cruelty (Animals) Act and Rules governing thereof. 

Adjudicating over the petitions, the High Court had earlier asked the Animal Welfare Board of India to file details in an affidavit stating as to what steps the Board is taking to prevent such cruelty to poor animals.