Prevent Slaughtering Of Livestock In Public, Monitor Certification Of Slaughter Houses: Andra Pradesh HC To Nodal Officers Appointed By State

In a plea against the illegal staking of cattle in the Vijayawada region without proper documentation, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has instructed the Nodal Officers appointed for the prevention of animal cruelty, to monitor the situation strictly.

The single judge bench of Dr. Justice K. Manmadha Rao noted that the 26 Nodal Officers appointed across the state in pursuance of the High Court's earlier order dated 08.05.2024 [WP (PIL) No. 102 of 2024] should take measures to stop the functioning of slaughterhouses without certification from authorities. The appointment of nodal officers was also widely publicised in the media, according to the public prosecutor.

“…Nodal Officers are directed to take steps strictly for prevention of slaughtering of livestock of cow. calf, oxen etc. in public places and to take appropriate steps in consonance with the provisions of Act 1977 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001, particularly, shall monitor whether necessary certificates are obtained from the respondents No.3 to 5[Municpal Administration Dept., Commissioner & District Collector]….”, the court held.

The single-judge bench noted that the court had earlier given instructions in similar situations wherein the public slaughtering of cattle was called into question. The public prosecutor, while raising his contentions, added that the respondent authorities were following guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board. Accordingly, preventive steps like checkpoints and publicising legal positions to prevent illegal transport and slaughtering of animals were taken.

The inspector of Bhavanipuram Circle, who appeared in person, also submitted that slaughtering would not be permitted without the certification of veterinary doctors and a team of doctors.

The petitioner had contended that his representation dated 22.03.2024 regarding illegal staking in public places, like on the road, in public grounds, open areas, community halls, etc., detrimental to maintaining peace among people belonging to colonies and various other religions, was not duly considered by the respondent authorities. The court pointed out that Animal Rescue Organisation has also filed numerous writ petitions by virtue of which nodal officers were appointed by the respondent authorities.

“…the Nodal Officers are appointed at State Level and District Level and stated that to furnish the action taken report directly to the DIG (Legal) under intimation. It is further mentioned that the CPRO, CO, AP is requested to give wide publicity to the Nodal Officers who are appointed at State Level and District Level in the media…” the court remarked about the memorandum dated 20.05.2024 issued by the government.

The action taken report was also directed to be furnished to DIG (Legal) earlier. Making the above observations, the court disposed of the writ petition.

Counsel for the Petitioner: Adv. Gangisetti Uma Sankar

Counsel for Respondents 7 & 8: Adv. M.Manohar Reddy, SC For Municipalities

Case Title: Vinod Kumar Rajpurohith v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors.

Case No: WP No: 12308/ 2024

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