Kolkata, May 14: The newly formed BJP government in West Bengal has initiated a comprehensive crackdown on illegal and unregulated slaughterhouses across the state. Upon taking office, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s administration has issued stringent directives concerning animal sacrifice, particularly focusing on the slaughter of cattle. The government has mandated strict adherence to the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act of 1950.
According to the orders released by the government, no individual may slaughter bulls, calves, cows, male and female buffaloes, buffalo calves, or castrated buffaloes without obtaining a certificate confirming the animal’s suitability for slaughter.
Furthermore, the chairperson of the municipality or the head of the Panchayat committee, along with a government veterinarian, can jointly issue a certificate regarding an animal’s suitability for slaughter if both parties agree in writing that the animal is permanently incapacitated due to age (over 14 years), injury, deformity, or an incurable disease.
The order also states that if a certificate is denied, the affected individual may appeal to the state government within 15 days of receiving the denial notice.
The government has specified that animals for which certificates are issued may only be slaughtered in municipal slaughterhouses or any other slaughterhouse designated by local authorities. Slaughtering animals in any open public space is strictly prohibited.
To enforce the provisions of the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act of 1950, no one will oppose inspections conducted by authorized individuals, including the municipality chairperson, Panchayat committee head, or government veterinarians.
Any person violating these provisions will face penalties, including imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of up to ₹1,000, or both. All offenses under the 1950 Act will be cognizable.
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