The Delhi High Court has issued directions to tackle the use of fake oxytocin hormone in dairy colonies across the national capital, stressing the need to address animal cruelty and public health concerns.
Oxytocin hormone
- Oxytocin hormone is also known as ‘love hormone’.
- Oxytocin is secreted by the pituitary glands of mammals during sex, parturition, breastfeeding, or social bonding, and can be chemically manufactured and sold by pharmaceutical companies for use during labor.
- It is given either as an injection or as a solution.
- The main function of the hormone oxytocin is to “help pregnant animals contract the uterus during delivery to help the newborn come out”, but its use on normal animals increases stimulation of the milk glands and leads to unnatural milk flow.
- Oxytocin does not increase milk production, but it does stimulate contractions, causing milk to flow out.
Ban on inappropriate use of oxytocin
- The central government had banned the drug in April 2018, saying it was being misused on milch cattle to increase yields, affecting not only the health of the cattle but also the health of humans who consume the milk. Does matter.
- The Center had decided that only one public sector undertaking, Karnataka Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals Limited (KAPL), would be allowed to produce oxytocin to meet the needs of the entire country.
Delhi High Court order
- Hearing a petition on “large-scale use of oxytocin hormone in dairy colonies” in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, the Delhi High Court has now ordered action against its counterfeit use in dairy colonies.
- The bench said in the direction that, since consumption of oxytocin falls in the category of animal cruelty, and is a cognizable offense under Section 12 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
- Consequently, this Court directs the Drug Control Department, GNCTD, to conduct weekly inspections and ensure that all cases of use or possession of counterfeit Oxytocin are registered under Section 12 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and Section 18 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Be recorded under (a).
- The Intelligence Department of Delhi Police has been directed to identify the sources of such fake oxytocin production, packaging and distribution and take action as per law.
- The court is of the view that dairies should be “relocated” to areas with proper sewage, drainage, biogas plants, adequate open space for cattle to roam and adequate grazing area.
- Cattle in dairies located next to landfill sites will ingest hazardous wastes and this can have serious consequences, directly or indirectly, if their milk is consumed by humans, especially children.
- Keeping in view the apprehension that dairies next to landfill sites may pose a threat to disease and public health, the court is of the prima facie view that these dairies need to be relocated immediately.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 is the legal basis for animal protection in India.
- The purpose of this Act is “to prevent causing unnecessary pain or suffering to animals and to enforce rules relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals”.
- The Act defines “animal” as any living creature other than humans.
- Various forms of cruelty to animals are listed under Section 11 of the Act, such as: beating, kicking, forcing, overburdening, torturing and causing unnecessary suffering to any animal. To deliver etc.
- Cruelty towards animals is a cognizable offense under Section 12 of this Act.