Check illegal cattle export, SDM told

KHARAR, JULY 7: The district administration has directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Kharar to take immediate steps to check the ill...

KHARAR, JULY 7: The district administration has directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Kharar to take immediate steps to check the illegal export of cattle from the centre situated at Khanpur village under Kharar municipal limits.

These directions were issued by Additional Deputy Commissioner General Khushi Ram, while presiding over a high-level meeting of the district civil and police administration officials yesterday.

He asked the SDM to register cases under relevant sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, against those persons who violate the provisions laid down in the Act. He added that the cattle export centre violates the provisions of the Act as it does not provide any food or shelter to the animals.

The ADC General has also sent a communication to the Financial Commissioner-cum-principal secretary to government of Punjab, Department of Rural Development and all panchayats, seeking the immediate closure of the pashu mandi at Kharar, where cattle were allegedly sold for slaughtering purposes.

Since it was illegal to transport animals across state borders for the purpose of slaughter, the ADC General asked the SDM to establish check posts on routes leading away from the centre.

The ADC General also directed the Kharar SDM to conduct surprise checks at the existing meat shops at Kharar, where meat was allegedly sold in unhygienic conditions. It is alleged that the sale of meat does not conform to the prescribed norms like mandatory sampling, certificate on the health of the animal before being slaughtered or the condition of meat.

The ADC General has also directed the Municipal Councils of Kharar, SAS Nagar, Roopnagar and Anandpur Sahib, to immediately select sites for setting up of slaughter houses, separate markets and gaushalas in their respective municipal limits with help of the concerned senior veterinary officer, within one month. The civic bodies have been further directed to start registration of pet dogs in their respective areas.