Muslim organizations on Tuesday approached the Telanagna DGP Anurag Sharma, to make arrangements for a system to provide them with animals for sacrifice during the upcoming festival of Bakrid.
The Times of India quoted the petition as stating "We request that arrangements for sale of animals for sacrifice be made through the animal husbandry department counters across the state, similar to how milk is sold through Vijaya Dairy on Id-ul-Fitr. This move will satisfy all the parties concerned, thereby reducing pressure on police too,''
The report adds:
The legally permitted animals for sacrifice are oxen, buffaloes and sheep. However, the issue of illegal transportation of cows into the city for slaughter has been troubling police for the past few years as skirmishes between right-wing groups and cattle traders take place on the suburbs of the city .
"A veterinary doctor has been attached to each assistant commissioner of police (ACP) in the South Zone. Cow and calf slaughtering is prohibited. Awareness camps are being held and strict action will be taken if someone transports or keeps cows for slaughtering during Bakrid," deputy commissioner of police, South Zone, Hyderabad, V Satyanarayana told TOI.
Speaking to The Hindu, a cattle trader said "The police on the city outskirts are cooperative. But we face problems while getting cattle into the city from other districts or outskirts. It is highlighted during Bakrid as the general public also buy cattle for slaughter,”
The report also quotes a senior police official as saying:
"The law is very clear. Animals cannot be below three years of age and should have a certificate from the Animal Husbandry department that it is fit for slaughter. Over-loading them in a truck is also an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act."