Devotees demand return of seized animals

The Siddappaji fair in Chikkallur, Kollegal taluk, Chamarajanagar district, took an interesting turn on Thursday, with the devotees demanding that the officials return their seized animals.

The district administration promptly implemented the High Court order of prohibiting animal sacrifice during the religious fair and had been seizing animals that were being transported, even before the festival started on January 25.

Accordingly, the administration has seized 82 goats, eight sheep, 50 country chickens and 1,800 broiler chickens during its raid at 16 checkposts, set up at various points. Those seized from the devotees were shifted to a farm near Naripura. Now, the devotees have been demanding their return, as the animals were not allowed to be sacrificed.

The devotees somehow collected the details about the farm, where the fowl and animals were temporarily kept and arrived in large numbers. They exerted pressure on the officials to return their animals. So, the officials shifted all the animals to a secret place and the department of Animal Husbandry has declined to reveal the spot.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Animal Husbandry department Assistant Director Dr Shivanna said, “The animals and fowl are being provided fodder. However, the final decision is being awaited in this regard. Deputy Commissioner B Ramu will take the final call in the issue.”