The Kerala High Court has warned that it may order the closure of all livestock markets in the state if District Animal Market Monitoring Committees are not constituted in every district within eight weeks. The warning came in a public interest litigation filed by Angels Nair, who alleged that cattle markets were operating without basic facilities such as roofs, in violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. issued the order on October 7, 2026, after reviewing affidavits from five District Collectors. Only Idukki district reported having the monitoring committee that the 2017 Rules mandate. The Collectors of Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Malappuram admitted that the committee had not been formed in their districts.

The court expressed skepticism about the claim that the rules were being strictly followed for seized animals held as case property, noting that no supporting details were provided. “It is difficult to accept that the Rules 2017 have been scrupulously followed by everyone,” the Bench observed. “The absence of the District Animal Market Monitoring Committee cannot be a ground to allow violations of the Rules 2017.”

Only Idukki district compliant, court warns of closure

The affidavits filed by the District Collectors of Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Malappuram, and Idukki were taken on record. The court noted that the District Animal Market Monitoring Committee, required under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017, had not been constituted in any district except Idukki. “In the event the District Animal Market Monitoring Committee is not constituted in every district within a period of eight weeks from date, we shall be constrained to close down all livestock markets,” the court warned.

The petitioner, Angels Nair, who appeared in person, argued that many cattle markets in the state operate without roofs and lack essential facilities, causing unnecessary pain and suffering to animals. This, she contended, directly violates the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the 2017 Rules. The court had earlier directed all District Collectors and District Magistrates to file affidavits detailing compliance and to ensure that the committees were either functional or constituted immediately.

The order underscored that the absence of a statutory oversight mechanism cannot excuse non-compliance. By tying the continued operation of livestock markets to the formation of these committees, the court has sent a strong signal that the state must prioritize animal welfare enforcement.

State directed to disclose enforcement actions

In addition to the deadline for committee formation, the court directed the state government to file an affidavit disclosing the total number of cases registered under the 2017 Rules so far and the steps taken against violators. This data is expected to provide a clearer picture of enforcement at the district level. The matter has been posted for further hearing on December 2, 2026.

The 2017 Rules require every district to have a District Animal Market Monitoring Committee to oversee compliance with animal welfare standards in livestock markets. The committee is responsible for ensuring that markets provide adequate shelter, water, and veterinary care, and that animals are not subjected to cruel treatment. The court's order highlights that the failure to constitute these committees has left a regulatory gap that cannot be ignored.

While the petitioner's specific allegations about individual markets remain to be tested, the court has made it clear that the states own admission of non-compliance will not be tolerated. The closure warning is conditional, but the Bench has signaled that it will take decisive action if the deadline is not met.

The order is a significant step in the ongoing effort to enforce animal welfare laws in Kerala. It places the onus squarely on the state administration to establish the monitoring committees without delay and to demonstrate that violators are being held accountable. As the December 2 hearing approaches, all eyes will be on the compliance affidavits that the government must file.