HC seeks reply on PIL seeking regulation of dairy industry

PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad high court has directed the state government to file a reply on a PIL seeking stricter implementation of the law regulating the dairy industry and upkeep of animals in dairies across Uttar Pradesh.

The bench comprising Justice SK Gupta and Justice Shamim Ahmed passed the order on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Federation of Indian Animals Protection (FIAP), a collective of organisations working towards the protection of animal rights.

According to the petitioner, every species has an inherent right to live and shall be protected by law, subject to the exception provided out of necessity. But in state dairies, they are not managed properly as per law regulating the condition of dairy animals resulting in poor condition of such animals.

As per studies conducted by the federation, many such dairies do not have licence and proper facilities to keep animals.

“Poor management of dairies also leads to civic nuisance, pollution of the environment and poor milk quality. High stocking density of dairy animals results in lack of comfortable space for resting of animals and decline in milk production,” argued the petitioner’s counsel.

According to the petitioner, in the absence of strict implementation of laws and regulations in dairies, condition of animals in dairies is very poor in state.

The petitioner has sought directions to the state government for formulation of model set of rules for upkeep of animals in dairies of UP, including lifetime care of male calves and old cows.

The court has also directed the petitioner to file rejoinder affidavit (a reply to the reply of state government by the next date of hearing, which is fixed as October 3, 2020).

CONDITION OF ANIMALS IN DAIRIES IS VERY POOR IN STATE, SAID THE PIL