RAWALPINDI: Taking action against illegally established cattle markets, a team from the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) on Wednesday confiscated 230 sacrificial animals.

The team, led by Additional Cantonment Executive Officer Faisal Munir Watto raided the markets, set up in different areas including Range Road, Dhoke Syedan and Bhatta Chowk.

Mr Watto said: “The cantonment board allowed to set up a temporary cattle market in Bhatta Chowk and imposed a ban on sale and purchase of sacrificial animals in all other cantonment areas. Authorities concerned have been asked to strictly implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to contain the spread of coronavirus.”

Strict action would be taken against vendors who violate orders besides imposition of heavy fine and confiscation of the animals, he added.

“RCB has launched a grand operation against illegal animal markets and is taking strict action in accordance with the law.

“However, small cattle pens had been established in Banni Chowk, Ch Bostan Khan Road, Gulraiz Housing Society, Tench Bhatta, Khayaban-e-Sir Syed and other areas but the district administration failed to take action,” he added.

The district administration had established two cattle markets on Adiala Road and Chakri Road but vendors have still been seen in different areas, selling sacrificial animals.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2020