MCD imposes Rs 48,000 fine on poultry vehicles for violating animal welfare rules
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Dehradun
The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) seized three vehicles transporting poultry and fines worth Rs 48,000 were imposed during a special enforcement drive against animal cruelty conducted here on Friday.
The action followed a complaint received during the district magistrate’s public hearing regarding the alleged mistreatment of poultry birds in the Machhi Bazaar area. Acting on the complaint, MCD’s Veterinary department formed an inspection team led by senior veterinary officer Dr Varun Aggrawal.
The joint team comprising officials from the Animal Husbandry department, the MCD’s Veterinary department personnel and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) carried out inspections from early morning in Tehsil Bazaar, Machhi Bazaar, Moti Bazaar and Matawala Bagh.
During the drive, the officials found several violations including overcrowding of birds in transport vehicles, poor hygiene conditions, improper handling during unloading and transportation without required documents. Three poultry vehicles were seized from Tehsil Chowk and Moti Bazaar and brought to the MCD premises. Most of the vehicles were reportedly registered in Haryana. Aggarwal said that they have issued notices to the transporters and imposed penalties amounting to Rs 48,000. He added that they have been warned that repeated violations could invite stricter action. The inspection team also checked other poultry vehicles and found two of them complying with prescribed animal welfare norms and carrying valid documents.
Aggarwal said that such drives will continue in the coming weeks to ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations. He added that strict action, including vehicle seizures and action against establishments found violating rules, would be taken in future cases.
