The division judge bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court held that Photographs have been annexed by the petitioners which reflect a very sorry state of affairs. The photographs reflect the number of dead animals in the cattle marketing area being handled by cranes and other heavy machinery and directed the Collector of Kakinada District i.e., respondent No.17 as also the Collector of East Godavari District i.e., respondent No.18 to file reports as to the manner in which the G.O has been implemented.
Brief facts
The factual matrix of the case is that the PIL was filed in which rampant cruelty which is being perpetrated on animals in gross violation of the Government Order was highlighted. In the said order, the court directed to frame a comprehensive policy in that regard which led finally to the issuance of G.O., and in the G.O. various requirements were mandated, including the need for the Shandy Level Monitoring Committee (SLMC) to make sure that ramps, CC cameras, adequate facilities for providing water and food to animals, and an animal shed are all present. In addition, the guidelines stipulated that transport trucks must be equipped with a GPS system and have partitions that meet particular standards. Among other things, the guidelines also envisage that the SLMC shall submit monthly reports to the SPCA Chairman, who is the District Collector, as well as to the State Animal Welfare Board.
Contentions of the Petitioner
The Petitioner submitted that an RTI was filed in the Animal Husbandry department to know whether the reports were required to be filed in terms of the G.O on a monthly basis were being filed or not and in response to that the Petitioner got to know that no such information was filed.
Observations of the court
The Hon’ble court noted that the petitioners have included photographs that show a really terrible state of affairs. The photographs show how many dead animals are being moved by cranes and other large machinery in the cattle marketing region. A few of the images that are appended to the petition also show the fodder area's neglected status and the empty water troughs. Considering how many animals are seen to be accommodated at the cattle market area, even the covered sheds appear to be completely insufficient.
The court directed the Collector of Kakinada District i.e., respondent No.17 as also the Collector of East Godavari District i.e., respondent No.18 to file reports as to the manner in which the G.O has been implemented and to reflect the steps which will be taken by the concerned SLMCs to give effect to the spirit of G.O.
The decision of the court
With the above direction, the court listed the matter on 19.06.2024.
Case Title: Animal Rescue Organization and Animal Rescue Organization another V. The State Of Andhra Pradesh and Others
Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice R. Raghunandan Rao
Case No.: WP(PIL) NO: 93 of 2024
Advocates for the Petitioner: Sri K S MURTHY, Senior Counsel a/w. PONNADA SREE VYAS
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