Delhi HC orders police action against oxytocin use in dairy colonies
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has ordered action against the use of oxytocin in dairy colonies in the national capital and directed authorities to take strict action against the use of oxytocin, labelling it as animal cruelty and a criminal offence.
Doctors in the national capital have lauded the recent ruling by the Delhi High Court to crack down on the use of oxytocin in dairy farming, denouncing it as an act of animal cruelty.
Responding to a petition concerning the conditions of dairy farms in Delhi, the High Court directed authorities on Friday to take stringent measures against the use of oxytocin, categorizing it as both animal cruelty and a criminal offence.
Dr Atul Gogia from Ganga Ram Hospital emphasised the health risks associated with consuming dairy products from areas where there is improper disposal of garbage.
He warned of potential contamination leading to various infections, including jaundice and typhoid.
“It’s important to ensure the hygiene of milk products before consumption as there are potential long-term effects of contamination, such as organ damage from heavy metals present in water,” Gogia told PTI videos.
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan Court has instructed the Delhi government’s Department of Drugs Control to carry out weekly inspections and register cases, which the police will subsequently investigate.
Additionally, the Intelligence Department of Delhi Police has been tasked with identifying the sources of oxytocin production, packaging, and distribution, with orders to take legal action as necessary.
According to a PTI report, “This was a very aware step taken by the High Court because dairies inject cows with a high dose of oxytocin to increase milk production, and then this oxytocin reaches humans through milk and milk products, which is harmful for the human body,” Dr Swati said.
Dr Sanjeev Bagai underscored the importance of the court's decision, highlighting the considerable medical, social, and environmental risks associated with waste dumps.
He emphasized the potential health threats posed by toxic substances emitted from such sites, including methane and nitrogen compounds, which can lead to severe health ailments such as cancer, respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and pregnancy complications.
