Urges the state to stop the malpractice soon

Around two years ago, the state had issued directives to phase out bullock carts for transporting kerosene in the city and its suburbs considering ill treatment meted out the animals, but the directive has done precious little to stop the malpractice.


According to PeTA, the owners ofu00a0 bullock carts do not provide the animals with adequate care and make them overwork.

Aggrieved by the apathetic attitude of the kerosene dealers, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PeTA) has urged the Ministry of Food and Civil Supplies to implement the ban at the earliest and ensure that not a single bullock cart is used for transporting kerosene.

A meeting between Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anil Deshmukh and members of PeTA was organised yesterday, but it was cancelled at the eleventh hour.

Animal exploitation

According to PeTA, the owners of the bullock carts do not provide the animals with adequate drinking water, food, shelter and veterinary care.

"There are approximately 500 bullock carts, which are used exclusively for transporting kerosene. The government had earlier allotted a certain quota of kerosene to be transported via bullock carts.

But the government banned the practice following vehement protest from PeTA," said doctor Manilal Valliyate, director veterinary affairs PeTA India.

Following persistent protests of the animal rights activists, the state decided to phase out the bullock carts in September 2008. The government also issued orders to this effect and asked for its compliance by March 2009.
There were issues of livelihood for bullock cart owners, so they were given some time to shift to diesel rickshaws.

"Despite the ban, bullock carts are still being used with ear impunity, therefore we decided to bring it to the notice of the minister," said Valliyate.

When contacted Deshmukh said, "Let the meeting take place first and then we will decide on the future course of action."