The Meghalaya High Court directed the state to ascertain what measures may have been taken to relocate the livestock markets in Byrnihat and Khanapara and what other steps may have been taken to ensure that meat sold for human consumption is not openly displayed alongside roads.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice B. Bhattacharjee heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) pertaining to the enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 in the State. Such Rules have been framed by the Union in terms of Section 38 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
While a more wholesome approach has been taken by the Court in this matter to cover all aspects of how animals are transported and culled for human consumption, the petitioner says that the focus of the matter is on Rule 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017.
According to the petitioner, livestock markets are required to be situated a certain distance away from any international or State border.
The petitioner claimed that the relevant distance norm is not being followed in the State and, for ready reference, cites the livestock markets in Byrnihat and Khanapara on the Assam border.
A comprehensive report has been filed by the State and the Court noted from newspaper reports that some steps have been taken by the State for a more ethical treatment of the animals, even if such animals are ultimately culled for human consumption.
However, this aspect of the matter will take time since a degree of awareness has to be built up and implementation at the micro-level will face resistance that the State has to be ready to meet and deal with.
As far as the petitioner’s grievance is concerned, the Bench said that the State must adhere to the Rules and ensure that livestock markets are not allowed to function within the restricted areas alongside the State and international borders. Again, possibly, the entirety of the livestock markets from Khanapara and Byrnihat may have to be relocated. “The State will look into such regard, task the district-level committee with the work of identifying one or more alternative spots and ensure that appropriate steps for relocation are taken within a reasonable time. “
As to the more ethical treatment of animals, the matter may be implemented through village-heads and local tribal leaders apart from the police authorities under each police station. For a period of time, the word must be spread before the actual display of open carcass is completely forbidden , the Bench observed.
Matter is listed on October 17, 2023 for further hearing.