A welcome decision

Sir,
This has reference to the article ‘Regulating cattle trade’ DE June 10.
The decision of the Union Government banning the sale and purchase  of cattle from animal markets for slaughter is a welcome decision.In the landmark decision, the government has also prohibited practices such as shearing and  painting of horns, bishoping in horses, ear cutting in buffaloes, forced dancing, putting ornaments etc.The Environment Ministry has notified the  stringent’Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 under the Prevention of Cruelties to Animals Act banning these practices.Unfortunately,While transporting animals such as bovines, sheep/goats, chickens etc, the animals are provided little water and feed and are huddled very closely to accomodate maximum number of them in vehicles.Then some animals are beaten mercilessely to  train them for performing in circus/street shows. It is a common sight to see snake charmers performing on bus stands and monkey catchers performing with the trained monkeys on roadsides drawing big crowds of spectators .The practice of bull fighting, cockfighting etc are also prevalent in some parts of the world,which are extreme form of cruelty to animals. Chaining cattle for long hours in extreme weather conditions, making farm animals work for longer periods etc.are also forms of cruelty.But the worst form of cruelty to animals is to abandon aged, weak and sick animals such as horses, cows etc by their owners.These animals are left to fend for themselves and die a slow and painful death for lack of food, water and shelter.Thus, there is need to register each animal and punish the owners if they abandon them after they become out of use for them.
Yours etc….
Ashok Sharma,
Udhampur

Follow our WhatsApp channel