The West Bengal government on Wednesday issued a public notice banning the slaughter of cows and other bovine animals without a valid certificate confirming the animal is fit for slaughter. The order cites the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, and a 2018 Calcutta High Court order.
Key Provisions of the Order
According to the government order, no person shall slaughter any animal, including bulls, bullocks, cows, calves, male and female buffaloes, buffalo calves, and castrated buffaloes, unless they have obtained a certificate that the animal is fit for slaughter. The certificate must be jointly issued by the chairman of a municipality or the sabhapati of a panchayat samiti and a government veterinary surgeon.
The certificate can only be granted if both officials are of the opinion that the animal is over 14 years of age for work or breeding, or has become incapacitated due to age, injury, deformity, or any incurable disease. Their opinion must be recorded in writing. Individuals who are refused a certificate may file an appeal within a fortnight.
Penalties for Violation
The order explicitly prohibits the slaughter of animals in any open public place, even if a certificate has been issued. Violations of the order can lead to imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 1,000, or both.
Background and Enforcement
Earlier, the state government had directed police to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal cattle slaughter and cattle trade, including cattle markets and extortion rackets. Cattle smuggling and extortion rackets have remained central to political and administrative debate in recent years.
The government has ordered strict enforcement of the Animal Slaughter Control Act to regulate cattle slaughter and related commercial activities. In a directive to all senior police officers, the government stated that illegal cattle markets and unauthorised slaughterhouses will not be allowed. The Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) said, 'Strict action will be taken against illegal cattle markets, slaughterhouses and illegal mining. It will be ensured that licensed and legal mining and cattle trading are conducted smoothly.'
