Shillong, July 5: The state government has decided to authorize the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department to issue health certificate and transportation challan of cattle in the state.

The move of the state government came in view of an ongoing strike by meat sellers and butchers in Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills in protest against smuggling of cattle to Bangladesh since June 7 till date.

This decision was taken at the first meeting of the State Animal Welfare Board (SAWB) which also discussed the issue related to menace of cattle smuggling held here on Friday.

According to Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, who is in-charge of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department, the department was authorized to look into this matter as per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

“The health certificate will be issued to certify the health of animals brought to the state (from outside) for slaughtering or farming or any other purposes after proper health check is conducted by our veterinary doctors,” Tynsong told reporters.

He also said that transportation challan has to be issued by an authorized officer of the veterinary department, adding that a notification to this effect would be issued by next week.

Tynsong informed that health check up and transportation of cattle in the state would be done in a designated place to be decided by the department shortly.

The deputy chief minister said that all these years, the government has no role at all, and the transportation challan was issued by private parties like the Syiem of Hima Mylliem as well as the butchers’ association.

“This is illegal as per the Act. That is why we want to rectify things. So from next week, a notification will come out in which all cattle dealers, associations or individuals who are supposed to transport cattle, should be routed through the veterinary department,” he said.

Tynsong informed that one check point would be set up and a doctor would check the health condition of cattle, and once the cattle is found to be fit, a transportation challan would be issued.

“The decision of the government will to a great extend address the concern of cattle smuggling,” Tynsong said.

He also admitted that the ongoing strike by the butchers’ association has affected consumers in the state, and urged them to immediately consider lifting the indefinite strike.