PIL in Kerala HC seeks closure of cattle markets sans roofs

Kochi: High court on Friday admitted a PIL filed by Angels Nair of Ernakulam and issued notice to the central and state govts, seeking the closure of cattle markets in Kerala that operate without roofs, leaving animals exposed to scorching temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius until they are purchased.A bench of Justices A A Ziyad Rahman and K V Jayakumar further directed the respondents to file their statements on the petition and adjourned the matter to May 25. Nair alleged in his petition that at the cattle market in Perumbavoor, Ernakulam, cattle were tied closely together without access to water or shelter, in violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017, and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.He further argued that most cattle markets were located away from areas that usually attract public attention, and therefore, the cruelty inflicted often went unnoticed. Referring to Sections 15, 19 and 21 of the Livestock Market Rules, 2017, the petitioner contended that the Rules strictly prohibit uncovered cattle marketplaces and the denial of food and water to animals. Additionally, he pointed out that it is the duty of the animal market committee member secretary to provide covered accommodation for animals in the market.During hearing on Friday, although the petitioner pressed for an interim stay on the operation of open cattle markets, HC declined to grant the relief, stating that such an order could not be passed without hearing the respondents. Accordingly, it adjourned the PIL for the respondents to file their replies.