Wednesday, Feb 08, 2012
Gulf News
Mumbai Three state-run oil companies have stopped using bullock carts to transport kerosene to public distribution shops in Mumbai following a Maharashtra government directive after a campaign by activists of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta).
From this month, the Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited have taken this animal-friendly step, in response to instructions issued by the Controller of Rationing, Ministry of Food and Civil Supplies.
Peta has been campaigning for the last five years against the use of bullock carts for transporting kerosene from oil companies to various ration shops across the city.
Despite the state government issuing a notification in 2006 banning the use of bullock carts in Mumbai, the state-run oil companies continued to use them for transportation of kerosene.
After the Peta stepped up its campaign, the state government issued instructions late last month to state oil companies.
Appreciating the government’s initiative, Peta India director of veterinary affairs Dr Manilal Valliyate said: “Forcing bullocks that are often too sick and injured to pull heavy oil carts on busy, hot and fume-filled Mumbai streets is an act of extreme abuse, and we are thrilled to see that the government has now taken steps to put this archaic and illegal practice to an end.”
According to Valliyate, more than 500 bullocks were being used to transport kerosene from oil ports in Sewri and Wadala in central Mumbai to rationing shops across the city. These animals endured tremendous suffering — many bullocks were underweight and ill, kept in filthy conditions and forced to work beyond their physical capabilities, pulling heavy loads in all weather extremes.
“Many bullocks suffered from yoke gall [acute and chronic inflammation caused by pressure from a yoke or harness], maggot-infested wounds, infected sores, acute or chronic arthritis or intestinal problems, such as diarrhoea and impaction. The animals were rarely, if ever, given veterinary treatment. And because the carts are a traffic hazard, the public was also put at risk,” Valliyate said.
Forcing bullocks that are often too sick and injured to pull heavy oil carts on busy, hot and fume-filled Mumbai streets is an act of extreme abuse, and we are thrilled to see that the government has now taken steps to put this archaic and illegal practice to an end.”
Dr Manilal Valliyate
Director of veterinary affairs , Peta India
By S. Narendra ?Correspondent
Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.
