Delhi High Court orders crackdown on oxytocin misuse in dairy farms, citing animal welfare and public health concerns. Urges relocation of dairies near landfill sites to mitigate health risks, emphasizing collaborative efforts for implementation.
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NEW DELHI: Recently, The Delhi High Court, headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, has ordered authorities to address the illegal utilization of oxytocin in dairy farms throughout the city, highlighting significant worries regarding animal welfare and public health risks. The court emphasized the critical need to prevent animal cruelty and enforce appropriate laws to address the misuse of oxytocin.
A significant aspect of the court’s ruling was its response to a petition filed by Sunayana Sibal and others, shedding light on the alarming state of dairies within the national capital. The bench, including Justice Manmeet PS Arora, acknowledged the rampant misuse of oxytocin in dairy farming practices, aiming to stimulate milk let-down and enhance milk production in cattle.
“As the administration of oxytocin constitutes animal cruelty and is a punishable offense under Section 12 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Delhi High Court mandates the Department of Drugs Control, GNCTD to conduct weekly inspections. They are tasked with ensuring that all instances of unauthorized oxytocin use or possession are prosecuted under Section 12 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Section 18(a) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.”
-the court stated in its order.
The court further emphasized the need for proactive measures by instructing the Intelligence Department of Delhi Police to identify the sources involved in the production, packaging, and distribution of spurious oxytocin. Such actions would align with legal frameworks aimed at safeguarding animal rights and public health.
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Additionally, the court underscored the necessity of relocating dairies to areas equipped with proper infrastructure, including sewage systems, drainage facilities, biogas plants, and adequate grazing areas. The move aims to ensure the well-being of cattle and mitigate environmental risks associated with unsuitable dairy locations.
The court’s scrutiny extended to the condition of nine designated dairy colonies in Delhi, including Kakrola Dairy, Goela Dairy, Nangli Shakrawati Dairy, and others, all of which were deemed to have poor conditions. Notably, dairies situated near sanitary landfill sites, such as Ghazipur Dairy and Bhalaswa Dairy, raised immediate concerns regarding public health hazards.
“Considering the concern that dairies adjacent to landfill sites pose health risks and potential illnesses, this court is inclined to believe that relocating these dairies is necessary without delay.”
-the court stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
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The court called upon officials, including the MCD Commissioner, MCD Director of Veterinary, Delhi Chief Secretary, DUSIB CEO, and FSSAI CEO, to virtually participate in the proceedings and provide insights into the relocation process.
