The Kochi Corporation Health officials have denied the allegations made by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) workers that the Corporation-run slaughter house at Kaloor was in unhygienic conditions.
According to T K Ashraf, Health Standing Committee Chairman, the VHP members have been creating unnecessary fuss over slaughtering the cows at the abattoir for the past few weeks.
Last week alone, at least five to six healthy cows were forcefully removed by the VHP members and tied elsewhere stating that they were unfit for killing.
“They are alleging that the workers at the place are not following the rules laid down in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Slaughter of calves does not take place here,” Ashraf denied.
Meanwhile, VHP members state that though the killing of calves within the age limit of three months are not permissible, often one-to-two month old calves are being taken for slaughter.
“On Thursday evening, as many as six calves were spotted at the cattle pen. A pregnant cow was also found on the premises, said C G Rajagopal, BJP Language Minority Cell convener.
There are allegations that the newly-appointed health inspectors lack proper facilities to survey the health of the animals being brought for slaughter.
It is also alleged that an excess number of cows above the permissible limit are being tied together in cubicles. Meanwhile, members have stated that they will go ahead with the protests and demand the Corporation to shift the slaughter house from the current locality.
T K Ashraf said that the Kaloor slaughter house was currently under renovation. “We have renovated much of the slaughter house. However, there are a few more places where tiles have to replace the concrete floors. The flooring and renovation work will be completed before March last week,” Ashraf added.