In order to stop illegal killing of animals during Bakra-eid festival, the Delhi government bans slaughtering of animals in unauthorized areas in the national capital.
The Delhi Development Department stated that it is feared that a lot of illegal animal markets and illegal slaughtering may come up in different parts of Delhi.
“No person shall slaughter any animal within a municipal area except in a slaughterhouse recognized or licensed by the concerned authority,” the advisory from Animal Husbandry Unit stated.
It further read that as per rule of Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2011, camels are not considered as food animals, they cannot be slaughtered for food purpose. “The Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 1994 strictly prohibits slaughtering of cows in Delhi,” it stated.
Meanwhile, the government also banned the recording and sharing of sacrificial rituals on social media during the festival, warning legal action against those found violating the norms.
The guidelines align with several existing laws, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960), Transport of Animals Rules (1978), Slaughter House Rules (2001), and the Food Safety and Standards Act (2006).
The advisory also cites Rule 3 of the Slaughter House Rules, which bans the killing of pregnant animals, those with very young offspring, and animals not certified by a vet.
“All concerned authorities are requested to take suitable precautionary measures for enforcing laws relating to welfare of animals to stop illegal killing of animals during Bakra-eid festival and to take stringent action against the offenders violating the provision of prevention of cruelty to animals Act 1960, Transport of Animals Rules 1978 Slaughter House Rules (2001), and the Food Safety and Standards Act (2006),” it said.
