PANAJI: The process of shifting cattle Damodar Devasthan land is currently underway following orders issued by the Deputy Collector. The cattle had reportedly been roaming in the open during the rains after eight sheds belonging to the foundation were allegedly demolished by unidentified persons at Deao, Quepem.
On Tuesday, officials from the Quepem Mamlatdar's office, Quepem Police and the Animal Husbandry Department reached the site to supervise the relocation. Mamlatdar Nathan Afonso said the Deputy Collector had directed the Dhyan Foundation to shift the cattle within 12 hours after authorities found the condition of the sheds to be unsafe.
"The Deputy Collector had issued an order to the Dhyan Foundation to shift the cattle within 12 hours as the condition of the sheds was pathetic. However, the cattle were not shifted, following which authorities had to shift them to Siquerim. According to veterinary officers, a total of 109 cattle have been relocated," Afonso said.
However, volunteers of the Dhyan Foundation alleged that the cattle were transported without the mandatory "fit to travel" certificates. "There are injured and sick cattle. While shifting any cattle, a 'fit to travel' certificate is required, but the officers have not issued one. The vehicles used also had no proper cushioning for injured cattle to lie down," alleged Abhijit Singh, a volunteer with the Dhyan Foundation.
The volunteers also questioned veterinary officials over the absence of health certification and the procedure followed during the relocation, alleging that their queries went unanswered.
