Mangaluru (Karnataka) | Four persons were arrested on Saturday for allegedly transporting cattle illegally to Kerala and 27 buffaloes being carried in a "cruel" manner in a truck were rescued on National Highway 66 in the city, police said.

The arrested accused hailed from Shivamogga, Haveri and Hassan districts, they said.

According to police, the vehicle transporting the animals from Haveri district in Karnataka to Taliparamba in Kerala was intercepted at Jappinamogaru under the jurisdiction of the Mangaluru City Police during an early morning patrol around 6 am.

Police said the animals were being transported without valid documents and in violation of animal welfare norms. The buffaloes were rescued and the truck used for transportation was seized.

A case has been registered at the Kankanady Town police station under provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a senior police officer said.

Police said the accused were produced before a court, while the rescued buffaloes were handed over to a goshala (cowshed) as per court directions. Further investigation is underway.