42 pigs rescued in daring night chase

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-12/goa/36296108_1_pigs-animal-rescue-squad-transport

MAPUSA: About 42 pigs being illegally transported to Goa from Belgaum in a pickup were rescued near Mapusa by two animal welfare activists in a daring mission at 1.30am on Thursday.

Having received a tip-off, John Fernandes and Mahadev Mestri of the Animal Rescue Squad set off on a motorbike for the 'Goa-Mumbai' NH 17, looking for a Karnataka-registered vehicle.

Near Hotel Green Park they saw the pickup heading towards Panaji and heard the grunting of pigs. Following the vehicle, they got it to stop by stopping their own motorbike right in front of it.

"We asked the driver for the permit to transport the pigs. He didn't have one and instead offered us a bribe," claimed Fernandes.

The duo called the police who arrested the driver and the two helpers-all Karnataka natives-and rescued the pigs. Sources said the pigs were headed to a slaughterhouse in Saligao.

Describing the "horrid" conditions under which the pigs were being transported, Fernandes said, "The pickup was divided into two sections and the upper section alone had 25 pigs. The condition was unhygienic and so crammed that one pig had died during the journey."

He stressed that the law does not permit the carrying of so many pigs in such constrained conditions.

Police sources corroborated this, saying the transportation was in violation of provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Transport of Animals Rules, 1978, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

"The law requires that those transporting pigs should have a licence to do so. It is also illegal to transport pigs in a vehicle that has not been properly constructed to carry them," an animal activist later explained.

The arrested trio are under police custody.

JNU students' group wants pork and beef served in canteen

To press for its demand, 'New Materialist' plans to defy law and organise a beef, pork food festival on the varsity campus

With recommencement of elections for the students' union in the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) after four years, some off-beat political activities too have gained momentum on the campus. A group of students that calls itself 'New Materialist' is up in arms against the varsity administration. However, their remonstration has nothing to do with the fee structure or facilities in hostel, but to gratify their taste buds. The group wants the administration to allow serving beef and pork in the canteen.

The group had organised a public meeting last week, wherein it was decided that the group would do all to ensure its demand is met. Surprisingly, it is said that some professors too had lent their support to the New Materialists. "The JNU campus was always dominated by the Left. Scared of losing votes, the student's union never bothered about issues that are of concern to the minority community," said Inba Karunko, a member of the group.
He added that the varsity administration has prepared a jacketed menu that influences Brahmanic taste. "When chicken and mutton can be served in the campus, why not beef and pork?" Karunko questioned, adding that just because the majority community doesn't approve of it, doesn't mean students can't eat what they like.
Karunko claimed there are thousands of students from Northeast and south India who eat pork and beef.

"Respecting the need of such students, serving beef and pork should be allowed on the campus," he said. The group has also started a Facebook page to garner support for its demand. "We'll soon start a signature campaign and present our demand before the administration. To start with, at least one dhaba that serves beef and pork should be started on the campus," said Suraj Beri, another group member. He added that later they'd demand to add beef and pork in the hostel food menu.
When reminded that consuming cow meat is illegal in the city, a student leader said, "Such laws are made for political reasons. We are against this law. In fact, to defy the law and to press for our demand, we are planning to organise a beef, pork food festival in the university campus."