TURA, June 11: Weeks after Meghalaya High Court asked the state government to act against open display of “hideous-looking” torn parts of animals by meat shops, the market committees and the meat vendors in South West Garo Hills have been told by the district magistrate to either shift the meat stalls from the main roads or block the sight of the meat from public view at the shops.
South West Garo Hills has apparently become the first district to initiate action in compliance with the order from the High Court.
The High Court had recently observed that setting-up of a mechanism in the state is all-important to ensure better treatment of animals, particularly those that are transported, those that are brought to any marketplace, the manner in which the animals are culled and to ensure humane and hygienic conditions at all stages and places.
“It is hoped that an appropriate mechanism is put in place as expeditiously as possible. While on the subject, the State must also ensure that more hygienic conditions are followed by meat-sellers, whatever kind of meat they may be selling. Apart from meat shops openly displaying torn parts of animals, which is often hideous to look at, roadside selling of meat products without the meat kept in any enclosure, notwithstanding the cooler temperature enjoyed in most parts of the State, may not be ideal or advisable. Such aspect of the matter also requires the attention of the administration,” the High Court had said, asking the state government to ensure that meat sellers conform to hygienic conditions while carrying out their businesses.
Weeks after the High Court order, the District Animal Market Monitoring Committee of South West Garo Hills on Friday met for talks with the meat vendors and the market committee executives at the DRDA Conference Hall.
The meeting, which was chaired by South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner SK Marak, conferred about the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017.
During the meeting, the meat vendors and livestock markets of the district were told to conform to the Rules for operation.
Seeking cooperation and compliance, the DC also asked the market committees and meat vendors to follow the Rules and either shift the meat stalls away from the main roads or block the sight of the meat from public view at the shops till a new location is sorted out.
District Veterinary Officer, Dr AM Momin, while highlighting the need to prevent cruelty towards animals during transportation and also while storing them, explained the parameters of Rules which necessitate the need to take due care, so that animals can get the necessary comfort of space, shed, food and water during transportation and at market places.
She also announced that livestock animals will have to undergo tests in order to determine if they are fit for human consumption.
Momin also announced that it is compulsory for livestock traders and meat vendors to get themselves registered at Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Office, in order to continue with the trade.
Meanwhile, the Market Committee executives aired their concern as livestock markets, which are mainly situated in Garobadha and Ampati Markets, lack space and funds to build sheds for the animals, lack permanent buyers and sellers, and that livestock traders in these markets are the locals who sell their domesticated animals to meet their household expenses during times of need.
