Illegal animal slaughter confirmed; probe into nexus demanded
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 01 May 2013 19:16 IST
The committee appointed by the high court for Goa Meat Complex has indicated a nexus between the officials and the traders and has recommended thorough probe into illegal slaughtering taking place at the GMC.
The three-member committee has also asked for action against all the persons involved in cruelty against animals.
Following interim stay granted by the Bombay high court at Goa on the animal slaughter at the GMC, the court had set up a committee of three members to submit a report to the court.
The committee consisted of animal husbandry director Dr B Braganza, mines director Prasanna Acharya and Manik Thaly, a lawyer.
Later, with government intervention, the court had relaxed the stay to allow only day-time slaughter in the presence of the members of the Govansh Suraksha Mach – the petitioner and veterinary doctors.
“Illegal slaughtering has taken place in Goa Meat Complex”, states the report, which would be submitted to the high court.
The committee has in fact found out that the GMC uses vehicles of the traders to transport the slaughtered animals and then mix with it illegally slaughtered animals, to create an impression that all the animals are legal.
The committee findings are as follows:
1.. Veterinary officer issuing slaughter certificate under pressure from the traders
2. Mismanagement at the GMC due to undue influence of the traders on veterinary officers
3. The committee formed by the government in November last year has not met even once
The committee has made eight recommendations to the court to manage the GMC:
1.. No slaughter of animals below the age of 12 years
2. Certificate to be issued for each animal, with proper application of mind
3. Police will monitor, with an outpost, entry and exit of vehicles from GMC
4. Use GMC vans to transport animals
5. Set up monitoring committee of Deputy Collector, DySP and Animal Husbandry officer not below Assistant Director
6. Immediately transfer veterinary officer posted at Usgao, who also looks after the GMC
7. Action against persons involved in cruelty to animals
8. Give custody of animals either to Animal Husbandry department or any NGO
