Mumbai: The Maharashtra government should introduce a separate, uniform and scientific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the legal transportation of goats and sheep to prevent harassment, financial exploitation and unnecessary delays faced by farmers, livestock owners and traders, demanded Haji Arfat Sheikh, president of the State Muslim Khatik Samaj Seva Sanstha and Maharashtra president of the BJP Transport Cell.

Sheikh submitted a memorandum after meeting Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, seeking a state-wide mechanism to regulate the movement of livestock.

Goats and sheep are transported legally to markets, including the Deonar abattoir, for sale and livestock-related activities. The trade supports the livelihood of thousands of families. However, complaints of vehicles being stopped unnecessarily during transit, despite carrying valid documents, have led to financial losses and harassment of farmers and traders, Sheikh said.

He called for Animal Transit Rest Points along major highways, equipped with fodder, water, shade and basic veterinary facilities. He also sought a uniform set of rules for livestock transportation and clear directions to the Transport, Animal Husbandry, Police and Regional Transport Office (RTO) authorities to ensure consistent implementation.

The proposed system, he said, should ensure that transporters carrying valid documents are not subjected to arbitrary action while maintaining necessary safeguards for animal welfare.

Sheikh also sought a joint committee comprising officials from the concerned departments, veterinary experts and representatives of livestock traders to frame a long-term policy and address practical difficulties in the transportation of goats and sheep.