Panaji: Old Goa police have arrested Shivekumar T B Patil, Sudeep Bhistappa Dodamani, and Anand Kerul for inhumanely transporting at least 30 pigs. The arrests were made under sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Complaint and Interception
Manoj B Meghwal, 25, a resident of Santa Cruz, filed a complaint alleging that the trio was transporting pigs in the Panaji-Bambolim area without proper ventilation, space, or valid documents. Acting on the complaint, Meghwal and his team intercepted the vehicle. Further inquiry revealed that the pigs were being transported for slaughter. When the complainant and his team attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver drove recklessly and tried to flee the scene, according to the First Information Report (FIR).
Lack of Required Documents
During the inspection, the accused failed to produce valid transportation documents, vehicle papers, and a mandatory veterinary fitness certificate. Police stated that the accused were arrested under provisions related to confining animals in insufficient space, cruelty, and rash driving.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of animal cruelty in transportation, often linked to illegal slaughter operations. The arrests serve as a reminder of the legal requirements for animal transport, including adequate space, ventilation, and proper documentation.
