NGO swoops down on slaughtering at Colva

NGO swoops down on slaughtering at Colva
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, JULY 4
Even as the authorities turned a blind eye to the slaughter of cattle, activists of the local NGO conducted a ‘raid’ on the illegal slaughtering at Colva before dawn on Sunday
Led by Colva Civic and Consumer Forum secretary Judith Almeida, the activists swooped down on the activity at around 4 am after lying in wait throughout the night and found a bull slaughtered at the site, while three animals were waiting their turn.
After stopping the butcher, the activists intimated the Colva police to initiate action against the illegal activity, contending that slaughtering of cattle is authorised only at the government authorised abattoir.
Officials of the veterinary department were also intimated of the incident and were called to take further action in the matter.
A veterinary doctor, who made his presence felt at the spot, later told Herald that he has destroyed the carcass of the animal. Terming the slaughtering of animals at the unauthorised place as illegal, Dr Vaz said the local panchayat should crack a whip against such activities. “The panchayat certainly has the powers to crack down on illegal slaughtering,” he added.
The Colva police later took into custody two persons under section 34 of the IPC. PSI Anand Shirodkar, who came to the spot, said that action would be initiated against the culprits involved in the illegal activity.
The Civic and Consumer Forum has been closely monitoring the illegal activity for some time and decided to conduct a raid as the authorities concerned turned a nelson’s eye to the activity. The residents of the locality had complained that illegal slaughtering of animals was taking place in the area, posing a nuisance and health hazard.
Even as the Colva police are investigating into the case, Almeida has demanded an inquiry into the episode to find out whether the butcher had any understanding with the panchayat and other authorities as the illegal activity was going on at the site without any action from the officials.