TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: In view of shortage of beef, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday told the State Legislative Assembly that the government would request the High Court on Monday to allow slaughtering that would meet all legal requirements at the Goa Meat Complex abattoir at Usgao.
The slaughtering has been temporarily stopped by the Court. Parrikar also announced that action would be taken against illegal slaughtering of animals which could increase in the backdrop of the court order.
The chief minister said that the High Court would be assured that slaughtering of animals at Goa Meat Complex would be done in conformation with provisions of the Goa, Daman & Diu Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1978, Goa Animal Preservation Act 1995 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The chief minister informed the House that a petition has been filed by Govansh Raksha Abhiyan Goa, alleging illegal slaughtering of animals at the State run slaughter house. The High Court bench has appointed a three-member committee to look into the allegations and the committee has been asked to submit a report by April 30, he said.
Parrikar said that the committee has already made a visit to the abattoir on April 23 and has collected relevant data and the report will be duly submitted to the Court.
“They claim to be animal lovers and I respect their views. But these people just want publicity. I had told them in the past to bring to my notice illegal slaughtering or illegal slaughter houses and that I would take action. But they did’nt come forward,” he said replying to the calling attention motion moved by Bicholim MLA Naresh Sawal and Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral.
“Fear and anxiety in the minds of the people regarding the ban on slaughtering of animals at Goa meat complex,” the calling attention read.
Chief Minister expressed fear that the Court order might have negative approach as with increasing meat demand, the illegalities would mushroom. He said that people in Goa cannot live without meat and beef and for that we have to ensure that legal slaughter of animal is permitted as it is hygienic and within the purview of law.
Chief Minister urged his MLAs to bring to the notice of the government, the operations of illegal slaughter houses and ensured to take necessary action. The issue of illegal slaughtering of animals was raised by Sawal.
Leader of Opposition Pratapsing Rane said that the animal lovers were not bothered about animals and their opposition to animal slaughter was to gain publicity
