Is trafficking of camels being done in the country?
16 Dec, 2014Conflicting replies have been provided by two government agencies to a similar application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. G Arun Prasanna, an animal rights activist, was informed by the Corporation of Chennai, the public health department and the transport department that no camels were brought for slaughter to Chennai during 2014. However, the state police informed that 29 camels were brought to Chennai and illegally slaughtered in 2014.
The reply indicates poor co-ordination between different v agencies for stopping illegal trafficking of camel and also shows lack of sharing of information between them.
Animal activists have claimed that ay groups involved in animal trafficking bring camels to the state largely from Rajasthan, though Haryana and Gujarat are other alternative source states. The camels are either brought in cramped vehicles or are made to walk for a journey lasting a few days. As the health of the camels is not checked before slaughter, apprehension has been expressed that such slaughter may pose a risk to the health of those who consume the meat. As per rules, the slaughtering of camels can be done only in licensed slaughterhouses under the supervision of a veterinarian.
The number of camels in the country is said to be rapidly declining.