Centre bans sale of cows for slaughter at animal markets, brings restrictions on cattle trade

As per new rules notified by the Environment Ministry, Government has banned the sale of all kinds of cattle for slaughter at animal markets across the country. This new rule has been notified under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act of 1960. 

New Rules pertaining to Cattle Trade:

Now onwards only farmland owners will be allowed to trade at animal markets.

• As per the notification, cattle comprise bulls, bullocks, cows, buffaloes, steers, heifers, calves and camels.
• Sellers and buyers will be required to produce identity and farmland ownership documents at the time of trade.
• Traders will have to submit the copies of proof of sale to local revenue office, the local veterinary doctor in the district of the purchaser and animal market committee.
• The notification has banned setting up of animal markets within 50 km of an international border and 25 km of a state border.
• For transporting the animal outside the state, special approval of the state government nominee will be required.
• About 30 norms including availability of water, fans, bedding, ramps, non-slippery flooring and veterinary facility have been prescribed for animal welfare in markets.
• As per the rule, young and unfit animals cannot be traded.

Implications:

Although this notification does not impose a nationwide ban on cattle slaughter, but it will squeeze the supply to India’s meat industry which procures 90% of its requirement from animal markets.

• Slaughter houses may come to a standstill as only few get animals from licensed breeders.
• Farmers who rely on income from selling non-milch and ageing cattle will also be affected.
• Introduction of paper work and formalities will slow down the cattle trade as education level among cattle traders is quite low.
• It is to be noted that India exported meat worth Rs 26,303 crore in 2016-17. The overall size of meat industry in India is about 1 lakh crore.