Donkey Meat Business Flourishing In Andhra Pradesh Due To 'Bogus Claims Of Health Benefits': PETA

PETA said its discoveries led to a joint operation with the Bapatla police and Animal Rescue Organisation, Help for Animals Society, and East Godavari SPCA and seizure of over 400 kgs donkey meat

Hyderabad: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, on whose complaint the Bapatla police recently conducted four raids across the district as part of a joint operation and seized over 400 kilograms of donkey meat, claimed Tuesday that it had carried out an undercover investigation to find out details about the illegal slaughter of donkeys and the sale of their meat in Andhra Pradesh.

Donkey meat is sold in the state based on bogus, unscientific health and benefit claims made by butchers, it said.

The organisation said its discoveries led to the recent joint operation carried out earlier this month. The Animal Rescue Organisation, the Help for Animals Society, and the East Godavari SPCA were also part of the raids.

Two locations in Uzilipet, one in Vetapalem, and one in the jurisdiction of 2 Town police station were raided, during which the police seized discarded body parts including heads, legs, and flesh attached to tails, besides donkey meat. Several people involved in the illegal trade were arrested, with the police booking them under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860; the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960; and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. 

“Donkeys are smart, sensitive animals who do not want to die, yet they are being hacked apart on roadsides, sometimes even by children, to fuel the demand created by myths,” PETA India Manager of Vegan Projects Dr Kiran Ahuja said.

“Doctors advise eating plant-based food, not meat, for those looking for health benefits. After all, vegans are at reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and certain types of cancer. A meat-heavy diet can lead to erectile dysfunction,” he added.

Punishments For Illegal Donkey Slaughtering, Selling 

In India, killing and eating donkeys — whose population has declined 61 per cent in a seven-year period — violates a number of laws. Donkey slaughter violates Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and is punishable with a jail term of up to five years, a fine, or both.

Killing donkeys is also an offence under Section 11(1)(a) and (l) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Consumption of donkey meat is illegal under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and slaughtering animals in public places is banned under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001.