High Court Seeks Response From Union Govt, Chandigarh Municipal Corp On Plea To Implement Prevention Of Animal Cruelty Act At Dairy Farms

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today sought response from the Union and State government in PIL seeking implementation of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (Resignation of Cattle Premises, Rules 1978) in dairy farms of Chandigarh as well as neighbouring villages.

Acting Chief Justice G.S. Sandhwalia and Justice Lapita Banerji issued notice to Union of India, Ministry of Department of Fisheries, Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh and other authorities.

Some residents of Chandigarh have moved High Court stating that the "Dairy Farmers are using unauthorised drugs like Oxytocin" and cattle are kept in inadequate living condition in Chandigarh and nearby villages of the two states.

"The Chandigarh Police and concerned Respondents had adopted a casual approach for not taking any action despite the fact an offence Us 12 of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and 429 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 is made out qua the Dairy Farmers," the plea adds.

The plea also seeks directions on respondents to urgently take necessary steps to stop alleged animal cruelty at the Dairy farms and to follow the minimum standards of housing laid down by Indian Council of Agricultural Research in National Code of Practices for Management of Dairy Animals in India, especially, keeping in view the provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

The matter is listed for July 16, for further consideration.

Gaurav Vir Singh and S.S. Behl, advocates for the petitioners.

Title: Jairoop Riar & Anr. v. UOI & Ors