Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra issues directions for strict enforcement of animal welfare laws during Bakrid
New Delhi, May 21
Delhi Government's Development Minister Kapil Mishra, during a review meeting with the Development Department on Thursday ahead of Bakrid, directed officials to ensure strict compliance with all provisions and laws related to animal welfare.
According to the release by the office of the Minister of Development, he said that stringent action must be taken against illegal transportation of animals, illegal slaughter and any form of cruelty towards animals.
Mishra instructed officials that, in order to ensure animal welfare and public hygiene during Bakrid, permission for sacrifice should be allowed only at authorised and designated locations. He also directed that the complete ban on the slaughter or sacrifice of cows, calves, camels and other prohibited animals must be strictly enforced.
Mishra directed that no sacrifice should take place on roads, streets or any public place, and that the buying and selling of animals in public spaces is completely illegal. He instructed officials to strictly enforce this prohibition and take stringent action upon receiving any complaint.
He further directed that animal blood should not flow directly into roads, drains or canals, and that remains left after sacrifice should not be discarded in the open. Their disposal must be carried out strictly in accordance with prescribed safety standards, with coordinated monitoring by the concerned departments, the release said.
The Minister stated that, as per the guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India under the Government of India to Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of all states, effective implementation of laws related to animal protection and welfare is essential.
Mishra stated that under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, cruelty towards animals is a punishable offence. Therefore, immediate action should be taken on any complaint related to illegal transportation of animals, operation of illegal slaughterhouses or violation of laws, and criminal cases must be registered against those found guilty.
He instructed officials to ensure compliance with all standards related to the safety, health and welfare of animals during transportation. He also directed that coordination be established among the local administration, police and concerned departments, with special monitoring in sensitive areas, the release stated.
Mishra said that animal protection is not only a legal responsibility but also a cultural and moral duty. He appealed to citizens that if they receive any information regarding illegal transportation of animals, cruelty or illegal slaughter, they should immediately inform the concerned administrative or police authorities.
The Minister also directed officials to launch a wide-scale public awareness campaign and said that information regarding animal welfare laws and civic responsibilities should be disseminated through posters, social media and other communication platforms, so that sensitivity towards animals and awareness about laws can be enhanced.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a Hindu, I respect all religions, but animal cruelty is not acceptable in any faith. The cows and camels ban makes sense, but what about goats and sheep? Their suffering is also real. We need more humane slaughter methods, not just designated spots. Just my two paise. 🐐
I'm not Indian, but I've lived here for 5 years. The lack of enforcement of basic hygiene and animal welfare laws is shocking. This is a step in the right direction. Let's hope they actually follow through and don't just make it a political show.
I'm a Muslim and I fully support this. Our religion emphasizes cleanliness and respect for animals. Many people forget that. These rules will help maintain dignity of the festival and prevent unnecessary conflicts. Kudos to the minister for taking a balanced approach. 🇮🇳
Wait, so they're banning cow slaughter but allowing goat slaughter in designated areas? Isn't that hypocritical? The government should either allow all or ban all. This selective enforcement just creates more tension. Sad to see politics playing with religious practices.
I live in Old Delhi and every Bakrid the streets become a mess. Blood everywhere, bones lying around, smell is unbearable for days. If they actually enforce this, it will be a blessing for residents like us. Let's see if the police have the guts to act against the powerful local butchers.
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