Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi(HB/EP)
Mangaluru/Udupi, Jan 19: The Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill-2020 has been implemented in the state. The officials should create awareness about the Act and take stringent measures to prevent its violation,” said minister for animal husbandry, Haj & Wakf Prabhu Chauhan.
The minister addressed two of the progress review meetings of animal husbandry, Haj and Wakf department held at both Mangaluru and Udupi deputy commissioner's office on Tuesday, January 19.
Speaking at the meeting, the minister informed that state government has proposed to have two goshalas in each taluk across the state to protect cattle from slaughter.
"Of the two goshalas that will be built, one should be managed by the government and the other should be operated from the grants provided by the government," he added.
He further stated that although the Karnataka government hoped to follow the Uttar Pradesh model of preserving cattle where over 11 lac goshalas have been built, the revenue shortfall will make it difficult to achieve this goal. "I am trying to get more funds for animal husbandry in the upcoming budget," he said.
He directed officials from the animal husbandry department and elected representatives to create awareness programmes related to the Act.
Superintendent of police BM Laxmi Prasad and deputy commissioner Dr Rajendra stressed for a designated vehicle in each taluk for transportation of cattle.
Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath also directed the police officials to have checkpost to curb illegal slaughter at the slaughterhouse in Kudroli. Meanwhile, Mangaluru North MLA Bharath Shetty urged for a mechanism which could test the meat that was being brought illegally into the city from other districts.
Superintendent of Police Laxmi Prasad, DCP Hariram, deputy commissioner Dr Rajendra were present.
Udupi
“The new Act has also included cow, calf, ox and buffalo, unlike the 1964 Act which restricted slaughter of only cows, calves of cows and calves of she-buffaloes. Buffaloes and oxen below 13 years of age have also been included. The first-time violators will be fined between Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lac and will be sentenced to jail for three to six years. The fine will be till Rs 10 lac for second-time violators. The veterinary doctor’s letter, details of the owner and ear tags for cattle are necessary for transporting cattle from one place to another. Five to six animals can be carried in a vehicle. But necessary fodder and water should be available in the vehicle. Pregnant animals should not be transported. Cattle cannot be carried between 6 pm and 6 am. The animals should not be ferried between 11 am and 3 pm during the summer season,” he said.
“Veterinary doctors should create awareness about the preservation of cattle among people. They should hold more workshops. They should visit byres, understand the problems and provide the necessary facilities. They should visit villages, create awareness and ensure implementation of the Act,” the minister said.
"Boundary walls are being constructed around goshalas under the NREGA project. The grass is being grown on the lands where goshalas are built with the help of funds from the government. A goshala should accommodate a minimum of 50 and a maximum of 200 cattle," he added.
“A large number of cattle have been seen around the Petri and Kokkarne areas, all those need to be protected. People should be informed about government funds and subsidies for rearing cattle,” said Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat.
Udupi district department of horticulture deputy director Harish Tamankar, veterinary doctors from various taluks, and members of Haj and Wakf committee were present. Chief veterinary doctor Dr Uday Kumar welcomed and rendered a vote of thanks.