The Government of West Bengal has introduced stricter regulations regarding animal sacrifice and slaughter carried out for religious purposes across the state. In a notification issued by the Home Department on Wednesday, the government stated that indiscriminate or illegal animal sacrifice will now be treated as a punishable offence.
The new rules mainly apply to cattle such as cows, buffaloes, bulls, and calves, and impose several mandatory conditions before any such act can be carried out.
Strict regulations introduced
Under the new guidelines, anyone intending to perform animal sacrifice must obtain a joint certification from the concerned municipal chairman or panchayat samiti president, along with a government veterinary doctor. Authorities will examine the animal’s age and physical condition before approval is granted.
Certification mandatory before religious animal slaughter
The rules specify that the animal must be at least 14 years old and should be permanently incapacitated due to old age, injury, deformity, or any incurable disease. If certification is denied, the affected individual can appeal to the state government within 15 days of receiving the rejection notice.
Violators may face jail and fines
The government has further clarified that animal sacrifice cannot be performed in public places or roadside areas, even with certification. Such procedures will only be permitted in government-approved slaughterhouses or authorised facilities. Violating these regulations may result in imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to ₹1,000, or both.
Public places barred from animal sacrifice
All offences under the 1950 Act will be treated as cognizable offences by courts. Relevant judgments of the Supreme Court of India and the Calcutta High Court have also been made available on the official website of the West Bengal Animal Resources Development Department.
The move has been described by the state government as a step aimed at preventing cruelty towards animals, and several animal rights activists have welcomed the decision.
