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Govt. defends rules for animal seizure
Why is it in news?
- The Central government defended the law to deprive owners possession of their animals, including cattle, on the suspicion that they are being subject to cruelty or illegally transported for slaughter.
Details:
- The Supreme Court asked the Centre to delete its three-year-old law which allowed seizure and subsequent confiscation of livestock from people.
- SC warned the government that it would “stay” the implementation of a 2017 law, which allowed authorities to seize cattle on a mere suspicion.
From Supreme Court:
- These animals are a source of livelihood.
- Authorities cannot just seize and keep the animals confiscated like that.
- Such Seizure rules are plainly contrary to Section 29 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, under which only a person convicted of cruelty can lose his animal.
Government's stand:
- The argument that owners are deprived of their right to livelihood is not sustainable.
- They have no right to do their business illegally.
- They have to transport the animals as per the requirements of the Transport of Animals Rules of 1978.