Inhuman methods of transporting cattle persist in the State, despite the new norms prescribed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and protests raised by animal rights activists.
According to the eleventh amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles rules which came into effect on January 1, 2016, vehicles used for transporting livestock by road should have permanent partitions in the loading bay to isolate each animal. The prescribed size of the partition is two sq m for cows and buffaloes, 0.3 sq m for sheep and goats, 0.6 sq m for pigs and 40 sq cm for poultry.
The notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways also states that motor vehicles meant for carrying animals should not be used to carry any other goods. The Regional Transport Officer is required to issue special licence for motor vehicles meant for carrying animals.
In a circular issued April 4, the State Transport Commissioner had directed Deputy Transport Commissioners, RTOs, Joint RTOs and MVIs at all check-posts to implement the new rules stringently. But animal rights activists say there had been little action beyond the circular.
“No such specially designed vehicles have been sighted on our roads. Most trucks crossing the entry points in Idukki, Palakkad and the southern districts still carry up to 24 cattle, four times the sanctioned number, packed into illegally modified SUVs and small commercial vehicles,” says Jayachandran, member, State Animal Welfare Board.
Smuggling of cattle
Enforcement officials say the lack of awareness about the new rules was responsible for the failure in implementation. Citing the poor facilities at check-posts, they point out that impounding vehicles at the border would create problems. Many transporters bypass the border check-posts to smuggle cattle from other States through by-routes.
Activists allege that livestock are denied food and water during long journeys to the abattoir. Many of the animals are diseased, posing a public health risk. In the absence of veterinary doctors to man check-posts, livestock inspectors issue permits without screening the animals for infectious diseases.
“Proper coordination between the departments of Animal Husbandry, Transport, Food Safety, and Police is required for enforcement of laws,” says Mr. Jayachandran.