Chennai, Jan 28 (NationPress) In a crucial step aimed at reducing animal cruelty and enhancing safety measures at tourist attractions, the Tamil Nadu government has established rigorous guidelines to oversee joyrides and the commercial usage of horses, donkeys, and mules statewide.

The newly implemented framework necessitates mandatory licensing, regular veterinary assessments, and stringent oversight of working conditions for all equines involved in public activities.

These guidelines were disseminated via a recent government order issued by N. Subbaiyan, Principal Secretary of the Animal Husbandry, Dairy, Fisheries, and Fishermen Welfare Department, ensuring compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960.

Officials indicated that this initiative arose from numerous complaints regarding abuse, lack of regulation, and insufficient accountability in various tourist and semi-urban locales.

The order reveals that equines are frequently utilized for joyrides, transporting goods, and ceremonial functions in popular tourist hubs such as Chennai, Udhagamandalam, and Kodaikanal, along with several hilly and rural areas. Inspections have uncovered recurrent violations, including overloading, inadequate access to food and water, substandard shelter, insufficient veterinary care, and forcing animals to work in extreme weather conditions.

Under the new regulations, all proprietors and operators of working equines must secure licenses from relevant municipal authorities and register their animals with the Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board.

Equines designated for joyrides, passenger transport, or racing must undergo compulsory health screenings, including tests for glanders, and possess valid fitness certificates issued by certified veterinarians every six months.

The guidelines also stipulate comprehensive standards for housing and care, detailing minimum stable dimensions, appropriate ventilation, flooring, drainage systems, and seasonal shelter requirements.

Working hours have been limited, allowing joyrides solely from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and prohibiting operations during extreme heat, heavy rain, or other severe weather conditions. The use of equines beyond their acceptable age—generally 20 to 21 years—and overloading beyond permissible weight limits has been strictly disallowed.

Additionally, the order calls for regular hoof maintenance, utilization of suitable saddles and harnesses, compliance with vaccination schedules, and the availability of first-aid kits at all equine work sites.

Authorities are empowered to seize animals immediately in instances of severe cruelty or repeated violations, with provisions for temporary rehabilitation and permanent confiscation in serious cases. Offenders may face criminal prosecution, suspension or revocation of licenses, and financial penalties.

Shruti Vinod Raj, a member of the Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board, announced plans for a statewide census of working equines.

Pointing to Chennai as a case in point, she emphasized that recent inspections uncovered extensive movement of horses, many lacking microchips.

With licensing now obligatory, she asserted that enforcement would enhance, and the government is also considering fundamental infrastructure improvements, such as stables, to promote adherence to the new standards.