Illegal Goat Markets Have Mushroomed Across Mumbai Violating Covid Norms, Animal Rights: PETA India Report

In a concerning development, numerous temporary, illegal and crowded goat markets have mushroomed all across Mumbai in violation of the Maharashtra government circular regarding the celebrations of Eid al-Adha, reports India Today.

The said development was revealed during an investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India. PETA reportedly carried out investigations in 23 illegal makeshift goat markets in Andheri, Byculla, Govandi, Jogeshwari, Kurla and Mankhurd in Mumbai.

In the investigation is was discovered that over one lakh goats were brought from states like Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to be sold for sacrifice.

It should be noted that the Maharashtra government circular had ordered shutting down all existing active animal markets in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. It also prescribed that purchase of animals be allowed only online or on the telephone.

Peta India has further alleged rampant violations of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, Transport of Animals Rules, 1978 along with Covid-19 protocols in these markets.

The animal-rights body has also written letters to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, chief secretary, the commissioner of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the director-general of police and the Mumbai police commissioner highlighting the findings of its report.