Chennai: Noting that the rearing of pigs causes deadly Japanese Encephalitis (brain fever) and swine flu and pig is an agent that spreads virus from animal to humans, the Madras high court has said the authorities have to ensure that unlicensed pigs are removed within one week. A status report should also be filed before the Registrar General of the Madras high court.
Justice S. Vaidyanathan allowed the petition filed by G. Balasubramaniam, which sought a direction to the Coimbatore district administration to take steps to remove more than 500 unlicensed black pigs from three individuals by invoking the provisions under the Tamil Nadu Panchayats (Licensing of Pigs and Destruction of Unlicensed or Infected Pigs) Rules.
According to petitioner, M. Bannari, P. Karuppuswamy and P. Morgan was residing on the western side of the petitioner’s land and without obtaining any license under the Rules, rearing pigs and most of the pigs were infected pigs. The pigs were damaging the petitioner’s crops and also neighbours, resulting in the loss of more than Rs 10,000 per month. The trio was in possession of more than 500 black pigs. These pigs were spreading various diseases to the local people. These pigs entered into the field and damaged the fodder of the cows. Several representations have been given to remove the pigs. On September 29, 2017, the Assistant Director of Rural Development directed the trio to remove the unlicensed black pigs and construct a shed in the outer area of the village, failing which action would be taken against the persons through the police department. Unfortunately, the same has not been carried out. Moreover, the pigs were cut in the open place and pork was sold for consumption, which causes a great health hazard and havoc to the public, he added.
The judge said after notice from this court, the BDO addressed a letter to the health officer and Veterinary Doctor and Inspector of Police, Sulur, wherein it was st-ated that already steps have been taken as they have received complaints with regard to the rearing of pigs by the three individuals. It was stated that inspection report has been called for and warning intimation has been given to remove the pigs within 3 days. Further, notice has been issued and within 10 days, the entire pigs have got to be removed from the area. It was further stated that the pigs cause a health hazard and fear to agriculturists and residents and steps need to be taken by the officials to remove them. As the communications were issued to the three individuals, this court expects that pigs be removed from the place in question, the judge added.
The judge said in a similar case, the division bench of this court by order dated October 23, 2017, held that officials were under obligation to see that no pig sty/pigpen was maintained without any proper license and the officials shall follow up the matter and monitor the same regularly. If any health hazard or disease outbreak on account of the unregulated growth of pig and piglets and slaughtering for food purpose was noted, the officials will be held responsible for the consequences and cause, the judge pointed out.
