Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jan 30: Deputy commissioner (DC) of the district, G Jagadeesha, has issued instructions to identify and earmark land needed to set up one to two cow shelters (Goshala) in each of the taluks in the district.

He was speaking after presiding over the special meeting of the district society for ethical treatment of animals held at the auditorium of his office on Friday January 29.

"Towards proper implementation of Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Prevention Act 2020, farmers and other people have to provide details of the unproductive cattle, cattle which have met with accident and others to the concerned officials. Such animal will have to be looked after. For this purpose, Goshalas have to be established in all the taluks. For this purpose, suitable land should be identified and set aside," he instructed the officials.

Dr Sarvotham Udupa, trustee of Neelavara cow shelter, suggested that along with identifying land for the cow shelters, separate space to grow the fodder should also be identified.

The deputy commissioner said that when transporting cattle, the concerned should have with them records of permissions obtained from different authorities, failing which there is provision to act against the owner of cattle, owner of the vehicle, assistants, cattle transportation assistant etc. He said that care needs to be taken to ensure that the cattle do not suffer injuries during transportation. Before transportation, care should be taken to make sure that enough water, food, green grass, and enough light and air are available in the vehicles.

Jagadeesha further said that vehicles that are suitable for cattle transportation under separate rules should be used, and speed of the vehicle should not exceed 25 km per hour. "There has to be separate arrangements on the lines of compartments for every cattle. For this purpose, transport officers have to issue permission to modify the vehicles. The vehicles need to compulsorily have a first aid kit for the cattle. Transportation is banned from 8 pm to 6 am. During the summer months, transportation cannot take place between 11 am and 3 pm," he explained.

Deputy director of animal husbandry department Harish Tamankar, received suggestions from the members like formulation of rules to allow bringing of cattle into the district for agriculture and dairying activities, and also to appoint suitable staff to handle the Goshalas. He was also urged to make it compulsory registration of Goshalas, strict steps against encroachment of pasture land, power to tahsildar and sub-divisional officers to impound vehicles transporting cattle without permission, increase in the rate of maintenance of Goshalas among others.

District superintendent of police Vishnuvardhan, additional deputy commissioner Sadashiva Prabhu, zilla panchayat deputy secretary Kiran Fadnekar, medical officers of animal husbandry department and members of the society were present.