Dehradun: Police have booked a dairy owner at Kawli road in connection with the usage of artificial growth hormone —  oxytocin — in cattle.

It was on August 26 that SPCA teams visited five dairies at Lakshman chowk and Kanwali road, where they claimed to  have seen owners giving oxytocin shots to dairy animals to  enhance milk production.

The team then approached administration officials and police, seeking legal action against the offenders. However,  despite multiple complaints, no action was taken.

“A case has finally been registered against one of the dairy owners. It will be a lesson to those involved in such practices.  We had found four oxytocin vials at the spot,” said Rubina  Nitin Iyer, SPCA member.”

The owner was booked under section 429 (mischief by killing or maiming cattle) of IPC and section 12 of the Prevention of  Animal Cruelty Act, which prohibits injecting cattle without  cause.

“We were waiting for the drug inspector’s report, which has confirmed the presence of oxytocin. An FIR has been  registered. These are bailable offences but due legal action  will be taken,” said Ritesh Shah, station house officer, Kotwali police station.

Following the incident, the district magistrate had ordered a probe in the matter. The report suggests overcrowding,  environmental lapses and drainage concerns.

“Based on the findings, we will soon take necessary action  and issue notices,” said DM R Rajesh Kumar.

Replying to a volley of queries, officials claimed that the drug  is often procured on the black market as it is banned for  animal use. A senior veterinarian also said that the drug  doesn’t enhance milk production but instead squeezes the  mammary glands giving the impression of higher  production.

Meanwhile, SPCA teams have requested authorities to issue  guidelines to dairy owners to stay away from such practices.