Mussoorie, May 7 -- The Uttarakhand government has temporarily suspended the use of horses and mules along the Kedarnath Yatra route following the deaths of 14 equines over the past two days. The decision came after an emergency meeting chaired by Animal Husbandry Secretary BVRC Purushottam with Rudraprayag district officials late Monday evening. According to officials, eight deaths were reported on Sunday and six more on Monday, prompting immediate concern about the health and safety of equines that play a critical role in transporting pilgrims along the steep 18-kilometre trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Dham. Over 100,000 pilgrims have already visited the shrine since the temple portals opened this season, many of whom depend on the over 5,000 registered equines operated by 2,493 handlers. All animals had been issued fitness certificates by Animal Husbandry Department. Secretary Purushottam, who traveled from Dehradun for the meeting, announced the 24-hour suspension to allow time for a thorough investigation. "A team of experts has been dispatched to Rudraprayag, and medical specialists from the Government of India's Hisar center are also joining the investigation," he stated. Dr Neeraj Singhal, Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, confirmed that 28 medical staff had reached Sonprayag to begin segregating and examining the animals. "Swabs from more than 18 equines have been collected and sent to the National Equine Research Centre in Hisar. The operation will remain suspended until test results are received," he said. Fodder provided to the animals has also been sampled for testing. Authorities are exploring whether contaminated feed or a viral outbreak might be responsible for the deaths. Dr. Ashish Rawat, Chief Veterinary Officer of Rudraprayag, stressed the legal responsibilities of animal owners. "Owners must ensure that unwell animals are not used for labour. Legal action will be taken against violators," he warned....