CHECK CRUEITY TOWARDS DRAUGHT ANIMALS

In the scorching summer months, it is distressing to observe cartsmen and tongawallas, with heavy loads on thjeir vehicles, making the draught animals vulnerable to slun stroke, heat, dehydration and exhaustion. Preventioin of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animals Rules,1965, prohibits carrying loads by animals exceeding the prescribed limits which varies according to the size of the animal and type of vehicle (with or without pneumatic tyres).

The rules also provide that in any area where the ambient temperature exceeds 37 degrees Celsius between 12 noon and 3 pm, no person shall use or cause to use any animal drawing any vehicle or carrying any load.

The policemen are callously negligent about rules framed to prevent cruelty towards draught animals. The shortstaffed law enforcement agencies and animal welfare organisations have failed to make use of the powers conferred on them to apprehend violators of these rules.

The animal welfare organisations should therefore hold seminars to apprise traffic police about these rules.

These organisations, sustaining on paltry funds, are unable to monitor adherence to these rules. Police helpllines like those established in Major towns, if set up in all districts, can facilitate help to these animals in distress.

Casual checking by traffic police during their routine duty on roads and crossings can deter the rampant infringement of rules.

Since the animals cannot represent their case, it is imperative that we humans should speak up for them.