The Madras High Court bench here on Wednesday directed the Theni District Collector to file a report on a public interest litigation petition seeking initiation of measures to seize around 2,000 cattle stranded in Cumbum because of Kerala government’s ban against transportation of cattle from Tamil Nadu into Kerala.
A Division Bench comprising Justices R. Sudhakar and V.M. Velumani issued the directive to the Theni collector while hearing the petition filed by Joshine Antony, a Bangalore-based animal welfare activist.
Ms. Antony alleged in her petition that there is a large scale violation of animal welfare laws in Cumbum. Pursuant to the ban imposed by the Kerala government prohibiting entry of cattle from Tamil Nadu into Kerala due to foot and mouth disease, a large number of cattle were stranded in Cumbum, she claimed.
The petitioner alleged that around 2,000 cattle transported from all over India to Cumbum to be transported to Kerala are stranded in Cumbum without being fed properly, without water and are exposed to Sun.
The Cumbum North Police did not take action based on her complaint, prompting her to move the court, she said. The cattle traders were trying to transport the cattle by walk through forests into Kerala, Ms. Antony alleged.
Therefore, she pleaded with the court to issue a directive to the Theni District Collector and Superintendent of Police to seize the cattle illegally transported to Cumbum, besides ensuring adequate care pending disposal of the case. The case has been adjourned to January 10.
