Animals too have emotions, feelings & senses, says HC

Nagpur: Coming down heavily on four cattle owners who were transporting buffaloes in cramped trucks in violation of norms, the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court observed that the animals too have emotions, feelings and senses similar to a human being.
“The only difference is that the animals cannot speak. Therefore, though their rights are recognized under the law, they cannot assert the same. The rights of the animals, their welfare and protection have to be taken care of by the concerned in accordance with law,” justice Govinda Sanap said.
Dismissing the case of cattle owners seeking interim custody of their buffaloes from the Gittikhadan police, the judge pointed out that before the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, there was no enactment to deal with the aspects which are now taken care of.
“The buffaloes were cramped in the vehicles, which were not fitted with padding. There was no provision of water and fodder. If transportation of buffaloes had been within the permitted limits or capacities, non-compliance of other provisions and rules could have been glossed over. It is, therefore, seen that the buffaloes were transported in a very cruel condition. Even the owners, who had played an important role in these cases, have not been made the accused,” he said.
On a tip off, the Gittikhadan police had intercepted four trucks in March last year where they seized 18, 16, 15 and 19 head of cattle, in all 68, that were being illegally transported. The cops booked the four cattle owners under relevant sections of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Motor Vehicles Act. The seized cattle were transferred to Maa Foundation Gaushala at Jaripatka here.