The Bombay High Court has expressed strong displeasure over the death of 1,379 out of 3,332 sheep and goats seized by the Customs Department. The court said that the department should clearly tell us that when it seizes living creatures, what is the procedure adopted for their maintenance? Expressing displeasure on Tuesday, Vacation Justice Gauri Godse said that how can living beings be kept in the category of perishable things? It is not a commodity that can be kept in cold storage. Instead of making allegations and counter-allegations in the matter, we should find a solution for the benefit of these animals, so that further deaths can be prevented.
What was the matter
On April 21, 2023, the Customs Department caught a ship carrying sheep and goats in Ratnagiri area on the basis of secret information of smuggling. They were prepared to be taken to Dubai for Bakri-Eid. After catching them, the department sought permission for the auction from the local magistrate, but the magistrate refused to give permission. Instructed to hand over the sheep and goats to Dhyan Foundation. Against this order, Al-Madinah Company, which transports sheep and goats, applied to the Sessions Court. The Court set aside the order of the Magistrate Court. The department handed over the sheep and goats to the owner after signing the agreement as per the legal process. Meanwhile, the Foundation challenged the Sessions Court’s order in the High Court. 1,379 of the captured sheep and goats had died by 10 May. The cause of death was found to be suffocation and negligence in treatment.
Foundation claims
Foundation’s lawyer J.S. Kini claimed that the sheep and goats were not looked after properly by the customs officials. Did not take steps towards their medical examination and ear tagging, while the foundation is ready to take care. An SOP has also been issued regarding the seized animals, which was not followed by the Customs Department. 60 sheep and goats had died on the very first day. At the same time, Jitendra Mishra, the lawyer of the Customs Department, said that the department has handed over to his owner under the rules. The organization that filed the petition in the court has not taken any step regarding the maintenance. He also questioned the authenticity of the foundation.
