Veterinary docs to check health of cattle, issue fitness certificates before
entry into Meghalaya, assures Hek
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 4: Immediately after the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) petitioned the state government against the illegal transportation of animals into Meghalaya, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister AL Hek on Friday informed that two check posts are being set up in the state where cattle brought from outside will be checked and quarantined.
Speaking to media persons, Hek informed that one of the check posts is being constructed in Ri-Bhoi, while the other is being set up in Nidanpur, Selsella.
“The work is going on and soon, it will be completed,” the cabinet minister said, adding that the check posts would have veterinary doctors who will issue health certificates to vendors bringing cattle from outside the state.
At the proposed check posts, veterinary doctors will check the health of the cattle and issue fitness certificates accordingly.
Asserting that cattle smuggling should not be allowed and that cattle must be transported with proper documentation, he stated that any illegality would be dealt with by the respective deputy commissioners.
Earlier in the day, the HYC called on the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department to ensure that the transportation of animals into and within the state is carried out strictly in accordance with relevant laws, rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the concerned authorities.
A delegation from the HYC met with the Director of the department to express serious concerns over the illegal transportation of animals.
Speaking to reporters, HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem said that during a recent inspection drive at the anti-infiltration check gate in Byrnihat, Ri Bhoi District, HYC members intercepted a mini-truck (AS-01-RC-7779), operated by a courier service company, which was transporting nine cattle in a cramped and unhygienic condition.
“Upon inquiry, it was found that the individuals transporting the animals did not possess the necessary documents for inter-state transportation, nor did they have certification from the concerned authority verifying whether the animals were fit for human consumption,” Synrem stated.
He further pointed out that the method of transportation violated several legal provisions, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Transport of Animals Rules, 1978 (as amended) and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The HYC president also questioned how such transportation was being allowed despite clear violations of established laws and demanded strict enforcement of regulations to prevent cruelty to animals and safeguard public health and safety.