In a decision that will have far-reaching consequences on animal husbandry and trade associated with the sector, the Centre has banned the sale and purchase of cattle from animal markets for slaughter across the nation, including North-East and Kerala.
The new stringent rules notified by the Environment Ministry that aim to ensure their welfare in the animal markets also prohibit practices that are “cruel” to them such as painting horns or putting ornaments or decorative materials on them.
Coming at a time when mere rumours of cow slaughter and sale of beef have been known to trigger violence in several parts of the country, the notification has resulted in a major political slug-fest.
The BJP-led NDA is discussing the possibility of a national law to ban cow slaughter and sale of beef.
Though BJP chief Amit Shad refrained from commenting on the new laws, sister organisation VHP maintained the decision would only partially address the issue and reiterated its demand for a nationwide ban on cow slaughter. The Left termed the decision as “most unwise” and claimed it would push peasants into a financial crisis.
The new rules under the “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017” of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act define cattle as bovine animals, including bulls, bullocks, cows, buffaloes, steers, heifers and calves and camels.
The rules prohibit establishment of an animal market within 25 km from state border and within 50 km from international border.
They also bar people from lifting an animal off the ground, other than poultry for weighing propose, dragging it along the ground, suspending it clear of the ground or tie up or muzzle any calf among others. The member secretary of an animal market committee will have to ensure no one brings a young animal to the animal market.
