Thousands of meat shops are operating in violation of the Supreme Court guidelines on roadsides in the State, including the capital city, and hence they should be closed forthwith.
Activists made this demand at a workshop held by the People for Animal-run ‘Concern for Ecology’ in association with the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisation (FIAPO) here recently.
Members of food safety, BMC and some local animal welfare activists with veterinarians attended the workshop. The agenda behind the workshop was to make people aware of the procedure and laws to be followed for running food businesses that include selling of animal flesh. In October, a FIAPO team had investigated and submitted the complaints regarding illegal running of meat shops on roadsides to the BMC Commissioner. The workshop was held as a step towards protection of animals against cruelty and regularisation of meat shops. Members demanded that the BMC should ensure implementation of slaughterhouse rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, the Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2010, BIS standards, pollution control norms and municipal rules for registration and running of meat shops.
Violation of norms attract punishable with imprisonment for six months and fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. As per norms, animals should not be slaughtered except in recognised or licensed houses. No animal which is pregnant, or has an offspring less than three months old, or is under the age of three months or has not been certified by a veterinary doctor for slaughter can be slaughtered. The members suggested that slaughterhouses be constructed and licenced meat shops put there soon. Among others, LPT Department CVSC and AH Dr Prasad V Pati, Khurda SDVO Dr Saroj Kanungo, Retd SDVO Srimant Kumar Patro and adivisor Pradipta Tripathy were present.
No comments:
Post a Comment