Synopsis
The Madras High Court has taken a firm stance against the inhumane treatment of cattle during transportation, especially the cruel practice of using chilli flakes on their eyes. The court has issued comprehensive guidelines to ensure humane practices in cattle transport and prevent such cruelty.Key Takeaways
- Humane transport guidelines issued by the Madras High Court.
- Cattle must have sufficient space and comfort during transport.
- Regular health checks and access to food and water are mandatory.
- Vehicles must be well-ventilated and sanitized.
- Proper documentation is essential for transporters.
Chennai, Feb 4 (NationPress) The Madras High Court has adopted a decisive approach against the inhumane treatment of cattle during their transport, particularly criticizing the inhumane method of applying chilli flakes to their eyes to keep them alert and discourage them from lying down. This cruel practice was frequently employed to cram as many animals as possible into vehicles for extended journeys.
A single bench judge of the Madras High Court, Justice M. Nirmal Kumar, has now put forth extensive guidelines aimed at ensuring the humane transportation of cattle.
Justice Kumar stressed that cattle should have sufficient space to move, turn, and rest comfortably during transit. The court also mandated proper safety protocols during the loading and unloading of the animals.
“Ramps and loading docks must be constructed to prevent cattle from slipping or falling,” the judge remarked.
Furthermore, the court stipulated that vehicles designated for cattle transportation must be adequately ventilated and maintain an appropriate temperature.
During lengthy journeys, food and water must be provided at regular intervals, and the health of the animals should be evaluated prior to transport. Throughout the journey, they must be routinely monitored for signs of distress, injury, or illness, as stated by the court.
To avert the spread of diseases, vehicles must be thoroughly sanitized before reuse. Transporters are also required to possess all essential documents, including veterinary medical certificates that confirm the distance and duration for which the animals can be safely transported.
The court issued these instructions while dismissing two civil revision petitions submitted by Abbas Manthiri, Mariyappan, and Thiyagarajan.
The trio was apprehended by the Chengalpattu police last year for transporting 96 bulls and two calves under extremely cruel conditions. The animals were being transported to Kerala and other locations, allegedly for slaughter.
The petitioners contended that the cattle were being moved for farming and breeding purposes and sought the return of the confiscated animals. However, Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) A. Damodaran countered their claim, highlighting that most of the cattle had undergone castration, rendering breeding impossible.
He further noted that the drivers had confessed to transporting the animals for slaughter. The APP also pointed out that most of the confiscated cattle were under ten years old and that the drivers did not possess the necessary documentation at the time of seizure.
Senior counsel Satish Parasaran and advocate Madhumitha, representing the complainants M. Vignesh and R. Raguram Sharma—who initially reported the incident—strongly opposed the petitioners’ request.
After evaluating these arguments, Justice Kumar ruled against returning the confiscated cattle to the petitioners. The judge also commended advocate Madhumitha for her “meticulous preparation and strenuous submissions” throughout the case.
With these newly established guidelines, the Madras High Court has reinforced the necessity of humane treatment in cattle transportation, ensuring that such cruelty will not be tolerated any longer.
