The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills issued an advisory today prescribing certain norms in the treatment of poultry before slaughter.
The rules state that poultry must not be dragged along the ground or by the head and wings; poultry should not be tied by the neck, legs, wings or carried upside down; any cages or enclosures in which any poultry are kept should be of such a design to enable the poultry to stand, lie down, spread wings and turn around and make normal postural adjustment in their natural position; overcrowding should be avoided; cages should have a door that is of sufficient size to enable the poultry to be placed in and removed from the cage without causing any discomfort, injury, unnecessary pain or suffering; poultry should be provided with an adequate quantity of feed and water as often as necessary; cages should have proper light, ventilation and be protected from rain, heat and cold air.
Poultry should also be transported in good health; the container for transportation should be properly cleaned and sterilised before poultry is placed in it; the container should have adequate space to avoid overcrowding and shall be made of such materials that should not collapse or crumble; the container should have proper ventilation; poultry should be properly fed and watered before being placed in the container and extra feed and water shall be provided in a suitable trough fixed in the container; the container should be properly secured to avoid pilferage; a label should be fixed to the lid or printed directly on the sides reading “Care in Transit”.
The advisory has been prepared as per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules 2017 and Transport of Animals (Amendment) Rules 2001.
For transportation of other animals, transporters should strictly adhere to the Provision of Transport of Animals Rules 1978 and Transport of Animals (Amendment) Rules 2001 & 2009 so as to prevent cruelty and suffering of animals.
