Gandhinagar: A Jain by belief,Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has suspended the exports of live stocks with an immediate effect from Tuna-Kandla Port, Gujarat.

In reference to recently issued guidelines by Government of India (GoI) and Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) regarding the exports of live animals, the Chief Minister expressed determination that the exports of live animals should be shunned with immediate effect, unless and until these guidelines are met.

In a letter written to Union Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu, Rupani has stated that under these new guidelines, the existing system of giving permission through ‘Local Certification’ has become void’.

He further requested in the letter that the exports of live animals from the Kandla port should be stopped till the facilities of quarantine station and certifications are made available.

The Chief Minister has also issued strict instructions to the police department to ensure that the stringent implementation of ‘Transport of Animal Rules 1978’ and ‘The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960’ are made.

Rupani has also urged the GoI to make an appropriate decision on the issue at the earliest; and also instructed the Custom Superintendent of Tuna – Kandla port to prevent exports of live animals till the clear guidance is not given from the GoI.

DeshGujarat