NEW DELHI: Delhi development minister Kapil Mishra on Thrusday directed officials to ensure strict enforcement of animal welfare laws ahead of Bakrid, warning of stringent action against illegal animal transportation, unauthorised slaughter and cruelty towards animals.During a review meeting with officials, Kapil Mishra instructed authorities to allow animal sacrifice only at authorised and designated locations in order to maintain public hygiene and ensure compliance with legal provisions.According to an official release issued by the minister’s office, Mishra ordered strict enforcement of the ban on the slaughter or sacrifice of cows, calves, camels and other prohibited animals during the festival period.He also directed that no sacrifice should be carried out on roads, streets or other public places, while reiterating that the buying and selling of animals in public spaces was “completely illegal”.Officials were instructed to take immediate and stringent action upon receiving complaints related to illegal slaughter, animal cruelty or unlawful transportation of animals.Mishra further directed departments to ensure that blood from sacrificed animals does not flow into roads, drains or canals and said remains left after sacrifice must not be dumped in the open. He instructed officials to ensure disposal strictly according to prescribed safety and hygiene standards through coordinated monitoring by concerned departments.Citing guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India to Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police across states, Mishra said effective implementation of laws related to animal welfare and protection was essential.He said cruelty towards animals is a punishable offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and directed officials to register criminal cases wherever violations are found.The minister also instructed authorities to ensure compliance with safety, health and welfare standards during animal transportation and called for coordination between local administration, police and other departments, especially in sensitive areas.“Animal protection is not only a legal responsibility but also a cultural and moral duty,” Mishra said, while appealing to citizens to immediately report cases of illegal transportation, cruelty or unauthorised slaughter to police or administrative authorities.He also directed officials to launch a large-scale awareness campaign through posters, social media and other communication platforms to spread awareness about animal welfare laws and civic responsibilities ahead of Bakrid.(With ANI inputs)
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