CHENNAI : Animal welfare activists in the city are concerned over the increase in the number of camels that have been brought into the city and the districts for slaughter.

Activists say that normally only half-a-dozen camels are brought in via Andhra Pradesh. The number has tripled this time, said Gouhar Azeez, secretary, Bharatiya Prani Mithra Sangh (BPMS).

While six of them have landed in Mannady in George Town area, another group has been brought to Tambaram, the activists say.

Ms. Azeez said that as in the case of cattle, the camels too suffered during transit.

Purchased at least two months in advance, they are forced to walk a long distance before being slaughtered.

No veterinary care is provided to them before or after purchase, the activists say.

Ms. Azeez said the camels from western and central parts of the country could be carrying diseases, and there was a possibility that the infection could spread to cattle in the State.

Health problems

Consumption of the unhygienic meat could also lead to serious health problems, she said.

Volunteers of the People for Animals, an animal welfare organisation, said the Kerala High Court had passed orders banning camel slaughter.

Animal Welfare Board of India Secretary R. Balasubramanian said the Board had circulated the copy of the Kerala High Court verdict to various States.

A circular had also been sent to Corporation/Municipal officials, police officials, Animal Husbandry Department and Public Health departmentin these States.

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