Animal Husbandry Minister Prabhu Chauhan said that the punishment and fine for slaughtering cattle have been increased under the newly notified Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020.
There was a law banning cow slaughter in the state. The state government had brought in an amendment to the already existing Act, he said.
“We have brought in a few changes to save cattle,’ he clarified.
As per the Act, there is a scope for setting up special courts to punish those engaged in slaughtering cattle. There are three crore cattle in the state. Above three-month-old male calves can be handed over to the gaushala for rearing by the farmers, he said.
Stating that there are 198 gaushalas managed by private organisations or individuals in Karnataka, he said that funds will be given to them.
Awareness is being created in the state on the Act. After the Act was implemented, two cases have been booked in the state, he said.
Further, he said that enough assistance is given for gaushalas by the Muzrai department, Mutts and traders in Uttar Pradesh. Such assistance should be given in Karnataka as well.
The decision on government setting up gaushala has not been taken so far. “We will discuss the same shortly,” he added.
He directed the police and officials from the animal husbandry department to initiate measures to check illegal transportation of cattle in border areas.
All assistance will be given to the gaushala at Bhagamandala. In case of necessity, even gomala will also be handed over to them, he said.
“Priority should be given to identify Gomala land in Madikeri taluk and help in growing grass. The district administration should initiate measures to clear the encroachments of Gomala land,” he added.
Earlier, in the review meeting held at the DC’s office, he said, “The animal husbandry department is like my family. I have come here to listen to your woes.”
The officials should study the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020. Without an in-depth study, it will be difficult to implement the Act effectively, he said.
“I have already discussed with the chief minister on the vacant posts in the department of animal husbandry. Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a delay in filling the posts,” he said and urged the officials to respond to the woes of the farmers.
A full-fledged Pashu Sanjeevini ambulance will be sanctioned to Kodagu district shortly. The ambulance will be operated by the government veterinary clinics and is equipped for the treatment and surgery of cattle at the doorstep of farmers, he said.
MLC Sunil Subramani, Additional DC D Roopa, ZP CEO Bhanwar Singh and others were present.