KOLKATA — The West Bengal government has banned animal slaughter on roads and in other public places, saying the practice can be carried out only in government-approved abattoirs, according to an official directive issued Wednesday.
Anyone who fails to follow the rule will face penalties under the law, the directive said. The state Home Department issued the notification, setting multiple conditions for slaughter of cattle including cows, buffaloes, oxen and calves.
Under the new rules, a joint certificate from the chairman of the relevant municipality or the head of the local panchayat samiti and a government veterinarian is mandatory before any animal can be slaughtered. The certificate will be issued only after the animal’s age, physical condition and fitness are examined. The directive specifies that animals must be at least 14 years old.
Officials must also examine whether the animal is permanently incapacitated by old age, injury, deformity or any other incurable disease, the directive said. It warns of strict punishment for those who violate the order.
Those convicted may face up to six months in prison, a fine of up to 1,000 rupees or both. Such offenses will be treated as cognizable under the relevant 1950 law, the government said.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report