When transporting camels to the city for their participation in the Republic Day Parade, the Delhi High Court has ordered the Central Government to strictly abide by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, as well as the amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (The Transport of Animals) Rules, 2020.
The Animal Welfare Board of India, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, and the Border Security Force were also ordered to ensure strict compliance with the SOP read with the Rules governing the field in the matter of transporting camels by a division bench made up of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad.
Thus, the court dismissed a PIL brought by the Scouts and Guides for Animals and Birds foundation, which claimed that camels were brought into the city from the State of Rajasthan in violation of the laws outlined in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The petitioner trust had alleged that every year during the Independence Day Parade, a significant number of camels are transported in goods carriers exposing them to cruelty and that despite filing several representations from time to time to various authorities, they have not been looked at.
It was said that about 100 camels are allegedly transported to Delhi in goods transport vans each year in violation of the law.
A veterinarian certificate stating that the animal is healthy enough to travel must accompany any animal transportation by rail or road, according to the affidavit submitted by AWBI.
The Center’s attorney assured the court that the transportation of camels was conducted in accordance with the law and that it would be made sure that no legislative restrictions would be broken regarding the transportation of camels.
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