Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: To stop cattle smuggling, the Goa Animal Husbandry Department has instructed its personnel to keep a close eye on state borders. Additionally, the government has directed area officers to inspect meat sold by vendors every day to make sure it comes from approved slaughterhouses with legitimate paperwork.
The agency warned in a circular that the Goa Animal Preservation Act, 1995, could be used to take action if genuine proof of meat procurement was not provided.
Maneka Sanjay Gandhi’s accusation that some 30 tonnes of beef are smuggled into Goa every day from Karnataka was enclosed in a letter from the Prime Minister’s Office that was forwarded through the Goa Chief Secretary.
According to Dr. Nitin Naik, director of animal husbandry, all veterinary officials have been urged to stay alert at checkpoints. “This is part of our routine,” he said, adding that the veterinary department’s role is restricted to confirming that the certifications are authentic, even though police officers have the power to stop cars and confiscate meat. “All veterinary officers in the respective areas have been notified to remain vigilant on the matter,” he continued.
Dr. Naik added, “We are not exporting meat at the expense of the state’s needs; the excess meat has been exported.” Since the circular’s issue, only one car has been seized at the Mollem checkpoint.
Dr. Naik went on to say that while meat imports into Goa have not been stopped, they must come from approved vendors who have the necessary paperwork.
According to Goa Meat Complex Ltd (GMC) officials, some traders are trying to continue obtaining illegal meat from neighboring states by circulating rumors about supply problems.
According to a GMC spokesperson, “the GMC can meet the full demand of the state if traders place an order for the required amount, provided we receive the order 24 hours in advance.”
The official described the importation procedure for meat, stating that buffaloes must fulfill certain requirements before being shipped to Goa.
