SHILLONG: The Meghalaya High Court has ordered the state government to file an affidavit detailing the actions it has taken to enforce the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017.
In response to a PIL filed by the Gau Gyan Foundation, the two-member bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh issued an order on Friday saying: "A secretary to the state government should file an affidavit to indicate the steps taken in terms of the said Rules of 2017, the measures taken in accordance with the Act of 1960, and a clear timeline within which the said rules may be implemented, as well as the other concerns indicated herein addressed. The state was also ordered to take suitable steps under the Transport of Animals Rules of 1978 and Rule 125E of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules of 1989.
While hearing the PIL filed by Gau Gyan Foundation, the court considered the greater issue that needs to be addressed about the welfare of all animals, even those that may be raised solely for human consumption. Even culled animals are entitled to a minimal level of dignity and comfort under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the rules and notifications promulgated thereunder.
The petitioner further claimed that, under Supreme Court judgments governing animal care, animals have been granted a genuine right to live in dignity, particularly in terms of how animals are treated by people in this country.
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