The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Cruelty to animals continues: PETA

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 01, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Cruelty to animals continues: PETA

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: Animal rights organisation PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has said its investigation in Tamil Nadu has revealed that animals are still crowded onto vehicles in "such large numbers" that many suffer severe injuries or die en route. "The animals are hit, dragged and cruelly and illegally handled and are often not provided even basic necessities such as food, water and veterinary care." Stating that its investigation of animal-transport routes and slaughterhouses in the State was conducted recently, PETA said that in most slaughterhouses animals were killed in full view of one another . Further, in violation of Indian laws, "they are often dismembered and skinned while they are still conscious."

PETA referred to the investigation in a release that urged the Union Minister Dayanidhi Maran, who inaugurated the India International Leather Fair on Tuesday, to initiate steps in government "to ensure that animals are no longer unlawfully tortured in the production of leather products." By doing so, Mr. Maran would make his father and former Union Commerce Minister Murasoli Maran's promise a reality.

Six years ago Murasoli Maran, responding to a campaign calling for an international boycott of Indian leather by PETA, said he would urge State Governments to set up committees to ensure enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Such committees were never formed,said PETA India coordinator of campaigns and legal affairs N.G. Jayasimha.

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