PANJIM: In response to the government’s move to supply beef to the State, local traders have decided to restart procuring live cattle from Karnataka and get them slaughtered at the Goa Meat Complex.
Speaking to media, Mannar Bepari, vice president of the All Goa Quraishi Meat Traders said members of the Association would restart procuring animals for slaughter beginning Wednesday.
“We are planning on bringing live animals from Karnataka again and we are hopeful that in case of NGOs’ interference, the government will protect us. We hope that we will receive police protection if necessary. If the consignments reach the State in time, we too will supply fresh hygienic meat to the Goan public, in keeping with all rules and regulations,” he said.
Along with the 60 members of the Association, Bepari also called for the Usgao based abattoir to begin resumption of animal slaughter once cattle was procured.
The High Court in June 2013 passed an order stating only animals 12 years or older were permitted to be slaughtered in the presence of a veterinary doctor as well as a representative of an animal welfare NGO.
The traders claimed the NGOs’ interference led to consignments of live animals being sent back thus creating a shortage of meat in the State.
