SRINAGAR: To check the entry of dressed chicken in the state, Animal Husbandry department has decided to setup two dedicated checking centers at Lakhanpur and Lower Munda.

The direction to setup these check-posts was passed by Principal Secretary Animal, Sheep, Fisheries and Transport Department Dr Asgar Samoon during a meeting of officers and representatives of poultry entrepreneurs.

Taking strong note of reports of stale chicken being supplied in the markets of the state from outside, Dr Samoon directed for setting up a committee to supervise the action against the unscrupulous elements responsible for their supply.

“There is no clarity about the method of slaughter and the conditions they are being slaughtered. There are reports that these dressed chickens are smuggled here in the fish boxes in unhygienic conditions. Public health is important for us and will make sure that whether fish, chicken or animal meat is supplied should be of good and hygienic quality”.

He also said that farm rates of chicken will be notified afresh as and will be accordingly communicated to CAPD. He directed for the formation of a committee under the Chairmanship of Joint Director Poultry.

To inspect the dressing plants which have been established in the valley and who under the pretext of toll tax exception sell the birds directly in the live market without putting these to slaughter, Dr Samoon asked the officials to setup a committee headed by Joint Director Poultry Dr Riyaz Ahmed and Dr Altaf Geelani and Dr Javid Bhat as members to arrest the menace.