KARACHI: As many as 52 out of the total 53 illegal cattle markets were dismantled and 89 people arrested as authorities intensified their crackdown on the growing menace.

Responding to a report pub-lished in Dawn, officials said that the biggest operation was carried out in district East, where 33 illegal markets for sacrificial animals were shut down and 68 people arrested for establishing and operating them.

They added that a total of 89 people were arrested across thecity, with 40 FIRs registered.

Officials said that a market illegally set up in Yousuf Goth, Baldia Town, in District Keamari, remains partially operational due to a stay order issued by the court.

Providing a district-wise breakdown, the officials explained that six illegal mar-kets were removed in district South, five each in districts Korangi and Central and one in Keamari.

Meanwhile, sources said the biggest ongoing challenge for authorities is dealing with small vendors who emerge after dusk in the streets of residential areas with sacrificial animals.