KOLKATA: The city’s only abattoir in Tangra has stopped receiving fresh supplies of cattle since Thursday, officials confirmed. More than 180 heads of cattle were present at the facility, but only 22 of these were deemed eligible for slaughter as the remaining animals did not meet government guidelines.
Government Notification and Legal Framework
The newly elected state government issued a notice on Wednesday citing provisions of the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, along with a 2018 Calcutta High Court order. The notice reiterated that cattle cannot be slaughtered in the state without valid certification confirming the animal is fit for slaughter.
Officials overseeing operations at the abattoir informed traders that cattle not meeting the required conditions should be taken back. “Some slaughters would take place following all the guidelines. Fresh supply has been halted for now,” an official stated, attributing the disruption to pending permit renewals and stricter scrutiny.
Permit Renewal Delays Due to Elections
Officials of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) health department, under which the abattoir operates, confirmed that fresh cattle are not being allowed into the facility until its required permissions are renewed. While permits are usually renewed in March, this year the renewal was delayed due to the Model Code of Conduct being in force as West Bengal went to polls. “The permits will be renewed shortly. As of now, there is no fresh supply,” an official added, clarifying that the slaughterhouse has not been shut.
Strict Certification Requirements
Wednesday’s government notification stated that no person could slaughter cattle unless a certificate was obtained declaring the animal fit for slaughter. The certification can only be issued by the chairman of a municipality or the sabhapati of a panchayat samiti, along with a government veterinary surgeon. The order requires authorities to be satisfied that the animal is either over 14 years of age and unfit for work or breeding, or has become incapacitated due to age, injury, deformity, or incurable disease. “We are following the government notification. The health of the cattle meant for slaughter is being examined thoroughly,” an official said.
Impact on Meat Supply
Before the restrictions came into effect, between 150 and 200 heads of cattle were slaughtered daily at the Tangra facility, with numbers occasionally rising to around 250. Officials and traders confirmed that no cattle were slaughtered at the abattoir after Thursday. Tangra houses Kolkata’s only abattoir, where cattle brought from wholesale markets in neighbouring districts are processed before meat is supplied to retail shops in the city. Traders transport cattle from districts outside Kolkata to the abattoir, from where meat is distributed to local markets and retail outlets.
