Modi Govt bans sale of cattle across country for slaughter purpose, notifies 4 rules to regulate livestock market

The Environment Ministry on Friday banned the sale of cattle across the country for slaughter purpose. The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified four rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 to regulate livestock market, case property animals, dog breeding and marketing and fish tank and aquarium.

The ministry clarified that cattle means “a bovine animal including bulls, bullocks, cows, buffalos, steers, heifers and calves and includes camels”.

The move of the govt is expected to have huge repercussions on export and the domestic trade in beef and buffalo meat.

Regulation of Livestock Market Rules

1. Animal market monitoring committees at the state and district levels will implement the rules and supervise livestock markets. They will also identify and register existing animal markets. Proposed new markets must also submit blueprints to the District Committee prior to being established.

2. These committees shall ensure that markets provide housing, sufficient food and water, feed storage areas, water troughs, ramps, enclosures for sick animals, veterinary care, lighting, bedding, toilets, proper drainage and other facilities.

3. No animal market shall be allowed in a place that is situated within 30 kilometres from any state border or that is situated within 100 kilometres from any international border.

4. State animal welfare boards will issue directions for compliance of these rules, authorize inspections of animal markets and seize animals from non-complying markets.

5. Every market is to have an adequate veterinary facility, supervision of animals being loaded and unloaded, verification of the transport document, and a system of monitoring the handling of animals at the market. The veterinary inspector shall maintain records of all animals inspected and treated as well as the number of transport permits issued, the number of animals found unfit for transport, and action initiated when an animal found unfit for transport is transported.

6. Unfit animals, pregnant animals, animals who have not been vaccinated and animals under six months of age cannot be displayed or sold at the market. Persons in charge of the animals are liable for their well-being.

7. These rules prescribe methods of handling, controlling and penning or caging of animals in a manner that prevents unnecessary pain or suffering.

8. Unfit animals are required to have separate accommodation. For identification purposes, a veterinary assistant may mark an animal with convenient methods such as ear tags.

9. A District Magistrate or Collector will enforce these rules. If either the District Magistrate or Collector finds that a market is in breach of these rules, he or she may direct closure of such market.

Also Read: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat pitches for law against cow slaughter in country

Dog Breeding & Marketing Rules

1. The rules mandate the obtaining of a certificate of the registration from the Animal Welfare Board of India for breeding activity, owning or housing dogs for breeding, for sale for dogs and pups. Such a certificate shall be valid for a period of 1 year, nontransferable and shall be subject to review.

2. Application for registration to be made to the State Board with a non-refundable fee of 5000 INR. A separate application shall be made for every establishment intended to be used for breeding or housing dogs for breeding.

3. On receipt of the application, the establishment sought to be registered shall be inspected by an authorized team and on being satisfied that the applicant and the establishment comply with requirements under these rules, the State Board shall recommend the application for registration to the board. The Board may issue the certificate of registration based on such recommendation. Where the recommendation is not made for certification, the State Board shall provide reasons in writing to the applicant. An applicant may prefer an appeal to the Central Government if agreed by the decision of the Board.

4. Rule 8 confers certain responsibilities on every breeder to ensure the mental and physical wellbeing of the dogs used for breeding and the ones that are sold.

5. The rules require the breeder to maintain records of all the animals housed in the establishment including the dogs being used for breeding and the dogs for sale. The breeder shall also maintain records of each individual dog.

6. Every registered breeder is required to submit an annual report to the Board detailing a total number of animals traded (sold or exchanged or rehomed), boarded or exhibited during the previous year.

7. No establishment being used or intended to be used for breeding or housing dogs for breeding shall be granted any license by the local authority unless the breeder (owner of such establishment) holds a certificate of registration as under these rules.