The government of the Indian state of West Bengal has issued a new directive prohibiting the public slaughter of animals, introducing stricter regulatory controls and mandatory certification requirements prior to slaughter. According to the notification issued by the state’s Home and Hill Affairs Department, violations of the order may attract penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment and monetary fines.
The directive, as reported by Indian media outlets including The Indian Express, states that the measure has been implemented in line with a 2018 order of the Kolkata High Court dated 16 August. The revised rules significantly tighten procedures governing animal slaughter across the state.
Under the new framework, no cattle or buffalo may be slaughtered without prior certification confirming the animal’s suitability for slaughter. This includes bulls, bullocks, cows, calves, and both male and female buffaloes, including castrated buffaloes. The certificate must verify that the animal is either over 14 years of age or is permanently unfit for work due to age, injury, deformity, or incurable disease.
Certification authority has been assigned jointly to municipal chairpersons, panchayat samity presidents, and government veterinary surgeons. These officials must collectively confirm the animal’s condition in writing before any slaughter can proceed. Individuals denied certification have the right to appeal to the state government within 15 days.
The notification further mandates that slaughter may only be carried out in designated slaughterhouses or other locations formally authorised by local administrative bodies. The use of open public spaces for slaughtering animals has been categorically prohibited.
Authorities have warned that any violation of these provisions will be treated as a punishable offence under applicable law, including provisions of a 1950 statute, and will be subject to criminal proceedings.
Summary of Key Provisions
| Category | Requirement | Responsible Authority | Penalty for Violation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slaughter location | Only licensed slaughterhouses or authorised sites permitted | Local administration | Up to 6 months’ imprisonment, fine, or both |
| Public slaughter | Completely prohibited in public spaces | State enforcement agencies | Criminal liability under applicable law |
| Certification | Mandatory fitness certificate before slaughter | Municipal chairperson, panchayat president, veterinary surgeon | Slaughter deemed illegal without approval |
| Animal eligibility | Must be over 14 years or medically unfit | Veterinary authority and local officials | Subject to enforcement action |
| Appeal process | Allowed within 15 days of rejection | State government | Administrative review |
The government has emphasised that the objective of the directive is to ensure regulated slaughter practices, uphold animal welfare standards, and maintain public order by restricting open and unregulated animal slaughter across West Bengal.