As per the 125E(1) of central motor vehicles rules, which came into force in state in January 2016, vehicles for carrying animals shall have permanent partitions in the vehicle so that the animals are carried individually in each partition.

For cows and buffaloes the partition should be 2 sq m, while for horses and mares it should be 2.25 sq m. The partition size should be 0.3 sq m for sheep and goats, 0.6 sq m for pigs and 40 sq cm for poultry. The specifications of the Bureau of Indian Standards will have to be followed by the transporter of livestock. The rule also says that the vehicles meant for carrying animals shall be permitted to carry any other goods and the regional transport offices should grant special licence for these vehicles on the basis of the modifications to carry animals.

After the MVD officials failed to implement the rule properly, the transport commissioner had issued a special order asking the regional transport offices to strictly implement the rule in April this year. But, it is learnt that the vehicles in state and those which are coming from other states are violating the rule and MVD or police are failing to take any action against them.

The regional transport officer (RTO) of Malappuram, K M Shaji, said that not a single transport vehicle owner in the district has approached for the special licence for carrying animals, but thousands of vehicles are still transporting livestock violating rule. "The vehicle owners are arguing that the conditions in rule are not practical as it will cause cost escalation of the livestock transportation. But we will take strong actions with available staff for inspection," he said.

The RTO has also said there is no major action from the part of either police or MVD to prevent the transportation of livestock from neighbouring states through border.