Even though the state government framed stringent rules to curb cow slaughter under the provisions of the AP Cow Slaughter Prohibition Act, it remains confined to paper only.
The Bharatiya Prani Mitra Sangh, an organisation fighting against the slaughtering of cows in the state, said there is a lack of political will to enforce the law by the successive governments.
"The ruling party does not act for fear of displeasing certain community as they form a strong vote bank. The rules, although framed several years ago, have many loopholes and need to be strengthened," said Jasraj Shrishrimal, president of the Bhartiya Prani Mitra Sangh.
The Act prohibits slaughter of cows, calves of cows and calves of she-buffaloes and other animals suitable for milch, breeding or agricultural purposes.
In connection with the implementation of the Act, Jasraj said the government formed one special squad consisting of an SI, two constables under the supervision of the additional deputy commissioner of police (Task Force) for detection and prosecution of offences of cruelty to animals. They have instructions to book cases by constantly moving in the areas where these offences are common and hand them over to the local police for further action. But unfortunately nothing is happening, he added.
President of the State Goshala Federation Mahesh Agarwal said cowslaughtering is banned in many states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
The same should be implemented in Andhra Pradesh strictly and violators of the rules should be punished, he demanded.
Stating that cow slaughter, under several laws including the AP Prohibition of Cow Slaughter and Animal Preservation Act 1977 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, is a cognisable offence, the Bharatiya Prani Mitra Sangh demanded that criminal action should be initiated against the offenders as per the law.
Agrawal said that NGOs are working hard for the strict implementation of the act. The members of various animal welfare organisations have also been helping the police by providing information about illegal transportation and slaughter of cows.
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) officials told Express that the rules are not being implemented properly due to lack of staff. "If the government provides adequate funds and allocate required men, the act can be enforced strictly'', they said.
What the Law Says
The AP Cow Slaughter Prohibition Act, 1977 prohibits slaughter of cows, calves of cows and calves of shebuffaloes and other animals suitable for milch, breeding or agricultural purposes. Cow slaughtering is prohibited in many states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha