MAPUSA
In a move aimed at ensuring humane handling of poultry and compliance with animal transportation norms, the Goa government has made it mandatory for consignments of live poultry entering the State to be accompanied by certificates issued by competent authorities in the area from which the birds are procured.
Consignments that fail to meet the prescribed requirements will not be allowed entry into Goa, according to a notification issued by the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.
The directions, which have come into force with immediate effect, require all consignments of live poultry transported into or within Goa to comply with applicable animal transportation laws and regulations. Under the notification, every consignment entering the State must carry a certificate from the competent authority of the source area, certifying prescribed particulars, including, wherever applicable, the source, health status and fitness of the birds for transportation.
Transporters have also been directed to carry all documents, permits, certificates and records required under the relevant laws and produce them for inspection whenever demanded by the competent authority. The government has further emphasised the need for safe and humane transportation of poultry, directing that birds be handled in a manner that minimises overcrowding, injuries, distress and the risk of disease transmission.
Failure to comply with any of the prescribed conditions could result in the consignment being denied entry into Goa, besides other appropriate legal action.
The notification cites the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Transport of Animals (Amendment) Rules, 2001, the Central Motor Vehicles (Eleventh Amendment) Rules, 2015, and the Bureau of Indian Standards' IS 5238:2001 code of practice for the transportation of poultry.
The directions also come in the context of the government's Mukhyamantri Swayampurna Goa Poultry Development Policy, 2025, which seeks to promote sustainable, safe and hygienic poultry production, strengthen self-reliance in the sector, improve food security and generate rural employment.
