the goan I network
VASCO
Alleging that authorities were hand in glove with the exporter regarding the cargo of goats and sheep to the Middle East, Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBOI) State Animal Welfare Officer Chandrakant Bhojepatil said such exports have been banned from Gujarat.
“This could be the reason why the exporter had come to Goa to export the livestock from MPT,” said Bhojepatil, while speaking to reporters.
“We had information that a ship was illegally carrying around 2,500 goats and sheep from Goa to the Middle East as exports and each truck had around 200 goats/sheep being transported from Gujarat, which amounts to cruelty to animals.”
“As an officer of AWBOI, I went to MPT, but they did not permit me to go inside and told me to approach the Customs, who said the exporter had legal documents.”
“They kept me waiting for four hours, assuring me to show the documents. However, the Customs changed statements every now and then. I then contacted the police and they arrived, but the Customs said we should get a police complaint and then only they can show us the documents.”
Bhojepatil claimed that while he was trying to check the documents, the ship sailed for the Middle East.
“Export of livestock is banned in Gujarat and these same people are now trying to export livestock through Goa. The MPT and Customs are hand in glove with the exporter because they allowed the ship to sail while keeping me waiting to check their documents. A proper enquiry has to be conducted in this matter,” said Bhojepatil.
Stating that various parameters have to be checked, Bhojepatil added: “Permission from the biodiversity board is compulsory. A health certificate as per OIEB norms and vaccination details are necessary and every goat/sheep has to be tagged and should have an NOC from a veterinary doctor.”
According to sources, the business of exporting livestock from the Kandla port in Gujarat was a regular affair till it was stopped by the government, after insisting that exporters meet the new guidelines issued by the AWBOI.
The Gujarat government later banned all livestock exports until exporters get the quarantine stations and certifications in accordance to new guidelines.
Strict instructions were also given to police to ensure the stringent implementation of Transport of Animals Rules 1978 and Prevention of cruelty to animals Act 1960.
