As per the advisory, it is mandatory that the sacrificial rituals be conducted at designated places, and no sacrifices are allowed on roadsides, streets, or public places.
New Delhi: The Delhi Government, in a move to protect animal welfare and public sanitation, issued an advisory warning against the illegal sacrifice of cows, calves, camels, and other prohibited animals on the Muslim festival Eid-ul-Azha, on June 7. The advisory mentions strict guidelines for Bakrid, emphasising legal and sanitary practices.
As per the advisory, it is mandatory that the sacrificial rituals be conducted at designated places, and no sacrifices are allowed on roadsides, streets, or public places. It mandates zero tolerance for violations and mentions strict action against offenders.
The advisory also bans taking or sharing photos and videos of the sacrificial rituals on social media platforms, aiming to prevent the promotion or glorification of such activities. As per the release, Minister of Development Kapil Mishra underlined the government’s stance and said, “The Delhi Government is committed to protecting our cultural and environmental heritage, of which animal welfare is an integral part. We will not tolerate any illegal sacrifices or cruelty during the festival celebration. Strict compliance with the advisory is non-negotiable, and violators will face immediate action from law enforcement agencies.
“The advisory aligns with existing laws, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Transport of Animals Rules, 1978, Slaughter House Rules, 2001, and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It highlights that the Transport of Animals Rules, 1978, are often violated during transportation, leading to animal suffering, it added.
The release further added that rule 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001, prohibits slaughter outside designated slaughterhouses, especially for animals that are pregnant, have offspring less than three months old, or are uncertified by a veterinary doctor. The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, further classify camels as non-food animals, making their slaughter illegal. The Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 1994, also strictly prohibits the slaughter of cows in Delhi.
To ensure a peaceful and lawful Bakra-Eid celebration, Delhi’s government issued guidelines to relevant officials, including the Secretary-cum-Commissioner (Development), District Magistrates, Deputy Commissioners of Police, and the Municipal Corporation Commissioner. These authorities are instructed to strictly enforce animal welfare laws and penalize any violations. The government also appeals to citizens to report any observed violations.
(With ANI Inputs)
