Over 24 cattle lifters arrested in UP, 650 cows recovered

As many as 650 cows used as livestock were recovered in three separate raids in the towns of Naraura and Anoopshahr in Sambhal district while they were being illegally taken to slaughter houses, police said today.
Over two dozen persons escorting the trucks in which the cows were being taken were arrested, SSP Laxmi Singh said, adding, the police have also impounded twelve trucks and four cars in this connection.
"The animals were so badly packed in these enclosed trucks that 62 of them died of suffocation," Singh said.
According to preliminary inquiry, the livestock was brought from distant places of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Two police jeeps were damaged at Naraura and Debai areas while trying to stop the traffickers, he said.
Animal trafficking in the towns of Naraura and Anoopshahr, situated on banks of river Ganga has become prevalent in recent times, police said, adding, the accused are booked under "Cruelty to Animals Act" which is a bailable offence.
Police too avoid nabbing animal carrying vehicles owing no availability of shelter houses to keep and feed animals, they said.