Centre to Withdraw Ban on Sale of Cattle for Slaughter

On 23 May, the Centre issued rules banning the sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets nationwide.

On 23 May, the Centre had issued new rules banning the sale of cattle, including cows, for slaughter in animal markets across the country.

(Photo: Parth MN/The Quint)

After severe criticism and controversy, the Centre has taken the call to withdraw its plan of notifying a ban on cattle sale for slaughter, The Indian Express has reported.

The move to lift the ban comes after the Ministry of Environment sought feedback on its 23 May notification on changes made to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Market) Rules, 2017.

Speaking to The Indian Express, a ministry official said the notification is being withdrawn due to "several issues" and the Centre will be working towards revising it.

The ban has for long been criticised by the Opposition, accusing the Centre of imposing the nationwide ban on ideological grounds. In the aftermath of the ban there have been several instances of vigilante justice, and harrassment in the name of cow protection.

The Centre has maintained that the notification is in keeping with protection of the rights of animals. In September, however, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan suggested for the first time that the Centre might consider lifting the ban. The Ministry then asked states to send their opinion on the notification.

Two letters were reportedly sent to states, along with consultation with animal rights activists and traders concerned with the issue.

On 23 May, the Centre had issued new rules banning the sale of cattle, including cows, for slaughter in animal markets across the country. The move, however, said nothing about trade between individuals.

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