HC dismisses appeal for custody of seized buffaloes

Observing that it was not possible to hand over to the owners the buffaloes seized while being transported in vehicles in a cruel manner, the Madras High Court has ruled that they should be taken care of in an infirmary or any other proper place.
Justice M.Venugopal, dismissing an appeal by Anju whose buffaloes were seized, said as per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, jurisdictional Magistrate could direct the animals seized to infirmary or to veterinary offficer so that they could be taken care of and treated.
Though the owner of the bull contended that buffaloes were transported only for agriculture purpose and not for slaughter, the judge said there was a complaint by the state Secretary of the Akhila Bharatha Hindu Sabha that they were meant for slaughtering.

The question whether the buffaloes were transported for agriculture purpose or for slaughtering would have to be decided during the trial. Till then, the buffaloes should not be under the care of owner and the magistrate was correct in dismissing his plea, the Judge said.
The petitioner submitted that buffaloes could not be handed over to the Gosala as only cow and ox were allowed there. Besides, buffaloe meat was not consumed in the state.