The state government said that a complete ban on illegal transport and slaughter of animals remained its top priority and all district magistrates and district police chiefs have been asked to ensure preventive action in this regard.
The government said that slaughter of milch animals often led to breach of peace and pose threat to communal harmony. It referred to ``UP Cow Prevention Act, 1955’ and `Prevention of Cruelty Against Animal Act, 1960’ to check illegal slaughter of animals.
In its directions to the officers, the government also cited five rules under the above two Acts for checking illegal transport and smuggling of animals.
Officials have been asked to regularly inspec abattoirs to check illegal slaughter and also ensure stringent action against the errants and those contravening the laid norms.
Besides, oficials wer directed to open historysheets of all those who were earlier involved in illegal transport, smuggling and slaughter of animals.
In a circular issued on Friday, Chief Secretary Rahul Bhatnagar said, “Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animal was set up in each district in July 2010 which was headed by the district magistrate. As per `UP Cow Slaughter Prevention Act, 1955, animals cannot be transported without authorisation from District Animal Husbandry officers.”
The top bureaucrat also cited a 1994 judgement of Allahabad high court wherein it has been ruled that seized animals cannot be released in favour of those accused of illegal transport and slaughter.
The Chief Secretary asked officers to keep close tab on those involved in cattle smuggling and bring their activities on record. Officers were asked to activate intelligence network in each district for effective curb on smuggling and illegal slaughter of animals.
District officers were also asked to to compile records of previous five year of cattle transport and smuggling and idedntify highways which were witness to maximum incidents in the past.
Officers were also asked to keep a watch on the trade in weekly, fortnightly and monthly cattle fairs in districts and compile information about traders involved.
Officials were also directed to open shelter houses for animals seized during illegal transit and slaughter houses.
In a separate circular, the Chief Secretary directed district magistrates to ensure peace and harmony during coming festivals of Navratri and Ram Navmi.
Officials were asked to maintain close vigil in temples, fairs and Ram Barats taken out during the festivals, where the turnout of devotees was huge.