In an investigation conducted by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, it was brought to light that many temporary, as well as illegal, congested goat markets, have emerged across Mumbai. These markets have been said to be an infringement of the Maharashtra government circular about the Bakri-Eid celebration that states the shutting down of all active animal markets in light of COVID-19. Additionally, the purchase of the animals is to be undertaken via telephone or online.
PETA’s probe screened 23 unlawful makeshift markets in various areas in the island city that include Andheri, Byculla, Govandi, Jogeshwari, Kurla and Mankhurd. According to the organization, approximately 1 lakh goats to be sold were said to be transported from Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The organization revealed that the said activities are not just in violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960; and the Transport of Animals Rules, 1978 but also of the current COVID-19 protocols.
Following this, the non-profit organization has sent letters to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the Chief Secretary, Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Director-General of Police in Maharashtra, and the Commissioner of Police in Mumbai. They have also registered complaints at the local police stations.
The organization further elaborated that the markets weren’t just crowded, but many animals were put into a jammed place wherein they did not have a place to either stand or lie down. Some goats were fighting each other, whilst many were impoverished of food and water. Many even suffered from respiratory problems and weren’t given any treatment. All of this violates the PCA Act, 1960.
Additionally, in violation of the Transport of Animals Rules, 1978, neither the buyers nor the sellers were able to show fitness certificates to transport the animals. Moreover, the animals were yanked, by the neck into the modes of transports by the buyers. In a breach of the COVID-19 protocols, many of the participants weren’t wearing masks or adhering to social distancing.
The organization has been knocking on the doors of many authorities to stop the illegal transport and killing of animals.
Also Read: Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Issues Guidelines For Bakri Eid
Share
Tweet
