New rules for livestock transport could help check bovine smuggling effectively

JAMMU: Even though the state government has charted out an animal-friendly set of rules for the livestock transport in consonance with central laws, if implemented effectively, these rules could help check the bovine smuggling which has been a major cause of communal tensions across the State, every now and then.

Host to different communities across the three regions, each with its varied and distinct circumstances, Jammu and Kashmir witnesses a huge number of cases of bovine smuggling on daily basis, even as communal tension arises out of those, every now and then, often leading to violence.

The State government, it is learnt, is mulling to revise the livestock transport rules to bring them in line with central animal transport rules.

In this regard, a notification has been issued by the Dr Asghar Hassan Samoon who is the in-charge of Animal, and Sheep and Fisheries Department.

The notification details an elaborated set of rules which the government seek to implement for the safe and smooth transport of animals within the State. The new set of rules makes it mandatory the fitness certificate for the animals being transported by a qualified veterinarian and envisages adequate space for different types of animals in the vehicles, proper marking of the animals being transported, details of the consignee and consigner, and provisions for adequate food and water for the animals in the vehicle and enroute as well.

Such comprehensive rules, if implemented effectively, will put an end to bovine smuggling, many believe.

“It is almost impossible to smuggle an animal in the light of these new rules. From obtaining a medical certificate to capping the number of animals depending on the type of animals and size of vehicle, these rules would allow only the legal transportation of the animals,” an official in the Animal Husbandry Department told The News Now.

“For the animals to be transported, there is a long list of formalities to be completed which are made with the aim of being public friendly for legal transportation. For any illegal transactions, there are sufficient hindrances; bypassing those would be very very difficult,” he added.

And his words bear weight as one goes through the official notification of new rules.

The government has proposed minimum space allowance for different animals to be carried in a goods vehicle in public places. For bovine animals weighing up to 200 kg, the minimum space is 1 square meter; for bovine weighing 200-300 kg, 300-400 kg and above 400 kg, the minimum space is 1.20 sq m, 1.40 sq m and 2 sq m, respectively.

Similarly, the notification reads that no equine animal shall be carried in goods vehicle unless a minimum space allowance to stallion horse, mares (including pregnant mares), mares with foal and ponies are given minimum space of 2.25, 2.0, 2.25 and 1.5 sq mtrs respectively.

It prohibits transportation of any animal belonging to or intended for a circus, menagerie or zoo unless in case of a wild or ferocious animal, a suitable cage, either separate from or integral with the lead body of the vehicle used of sufficient strength to contain the animal securely at all times is provided, and reasonable space for each animal is provided in the vehicle.

“A valid certificate by a qualified veterinarian to the effect that the animals are in a fit condition to travel by rail or road and are not suffering from any infectious diseases shall accompany each consignment. In the absence of such certificate, the carrier shall refuse to accept the consignment for transport,” the notification reads.

The notification also reads that veterinary first-aid transport equipment shall accompany all batches of animals besides each consignment shall bear a label showing in bold red letters the name, address and telephone number of the consigner and consignee, the number and types of animals being transported and quality of rations and food provided.

“Suitable rope and platforms should be used for loading animals from vehicles, animals should be loaded after they are properly fed and given water. Animals in advanced stage of pregnancy shall not be mixed with young animals in order to avoid stampede during transportation,” the notification reads.

The notification further states that watering arrangements on route shall be made and sufficient quantities of water shall be carried for emergency besides sufficient feed and fodder with adequate reserve shall be carried to last during the journey.