Illegal cattle markets, sale points abound in provincial capital

LAHORE: Despite tall claims by the district administration and the Walton Cantonment Board, illegal cattle markets in the provincial capital could not be stopped, Profit learnt here on Friday.

According to details, 13 big cattle markets were set up in different parts of the city for Eid-ul-Adha this time in Lahore, but despite this, traders have spread in the city with cattle.

The survey conducted by Profit found that illegal cattle markets were set up on more than one hundred points of city including Shadman, Ichhra, Sanda Road, Lawrence Road, Multan Road, Garden Town, Johar Town, Burki Road, Rifle Range Road, Township, Nishtar Colony, Kahna.

Speaking to Profit, an official of the Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department revealed that illegal markets increase the risk of lumpy virus and other diseases in animals.

“Almost all the animals of traders who bring sacrificial animals from other cities for sale in Lahore are allowed to enter the city after proper checking and these traders are allowed to set up stalls in the markets set up by the administration. But it can be difficult to say anything about the health of the animals of traders who are selling animals in illegally established markets,” he said.

Citizens in different parts of the city also complained that illegal cattle markets in their areas were not only affecting traffic but also endangering healthy animals.

When contacted, CCPO Lahore DIG Bilal Siddique Kamyana informed that Lahore Police was taking full action against the illegal cattle market sale points set up in the city in connection with Eid-ul-Adha.

He added that it was strictly forbidden to set up illegal cattle markets and sale points at any place in the city, including streets and roadside.

“I have also directed the police officers to take non-discriminatory action against the offenders under section 144,” he said.

However, according to the data obtained from the CCPO office, Lahore police registered 559 cases for setting up illegal cattle markets and sale points and arrested 561 outlaws.

“Similarly, Cantt Division registered 175 cases, Sadar Division 165, City Division 75, Iqbal Town Division 63, Civil Lines 47 while Model Town Division registered 34 cases. Moreover, Lahore police have also arrested 176 traders from Cantt Division, 165 from Saddar, 76 from City Division, 63 from Iqbal Town Division, 47 from Civil Lines and 34 from Model Town Division for setting up illegal cattle markets and sale points,” documents stated.

Shahab Omer
Shahab Omer
The writer is a member of the staff and can be reached on [email protected]

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