The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) and the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) came together to conduct a workshop with meat shop vendors to raise awareness on the laws governing the trade.
The participants included vendors from Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar, Hauz Khas, Safdarjung Enclave, and Mehrauli wards. With this, they aim to accelerate the mandate regarding the regulation of meat shops and curb illegal slaughter in the city.
“This progressive workshop was organised by the South zone of SDMC in collaboration with FIAPO to curb the violation of rules, regulations and guidelines by the meat vendors,” said executive director of FIAPO Varda Mehrotra.
Animal cruelty
Ms. Mehrotra added, “The sessions held recently was aimed at creating awareness and sensitivity amongst the participants towards issues of animal cruelty in the city and we hope that this will elevate the sense of responsibility and self-regulation in meat shop vendors.”
In the current legal framework, a meat shop is only allowed to sell meat that has been purchased from a municipal corporation regulated abattoir although these rules are routinely flouted with animals being slaughtered in front of one another within the shops.
There are no provisions for food or water and improper disposal of waste from the facilities.
The Slaughter House Rules (2001) under Prevention to Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, Delhi Municipal Corporation Act 1957 and Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954 were found being violated in many local meat shops in South Delhi. Veterinary inspectors of the department were also present at the session and induced the meat vendors about the various rules and regulations that are mandatory to be followed by them.
Waste management
“The session focused on discussion on curbing animal cruelty in meat shops, water and land pollution by managing waste generated in their shops and maintaining good hygiene standards. The vendors were educated on the laws and regulations to be followed within their shops and the severity of punishments of the violations of these laws,” noted a release issued by FIAPO.
Maninder Pratap Singh Sodhi, deputy director of veterinary services, South zone, SDMC said: “We want such counselling sessions to be held regularly and these will definitely help make aware the meat shop owners about the various laws governing the meat shops. Our focus is on educating them to understand the correct and necessary practices within a meat shop and to not exercise animal cruelty.”
