West Bengal Tightens Animal Slaughter Rules, Public Slaughter Officially Banned
West Bengal government has issued a revised public notice under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act 1950, introducing stricter regulations on the slaughter of cattle and buffalo across the state.
Under the updated guidelines, no cattle or buffalo can be slaughtered without an official certificate confirming that the animal is legally fit for slaughter. Authorities said the certification process is aimed at improving monitoring and ensuring that slaughter practices follow established legal and veterinary standards.
The revised notice also bans any form of open public slaughter. Officials stated that slaughter activities must only take place in authorised facilities that comply with government norms related to hygiene, safety and animal welfare.
According to the new directive, all slaughterhouses operating in the state must strictly follow the updated regulations. The government warned that any violation of the rules could attract legal action and penalties.
The move is being seen as part of the state government’s broader effort to regulate slaughter activities, improve public health safeguards and curb illegal animal slaughter practices.
Officials said the revised guidelines are intended to strengthen enforcement mechanisms while ensuring compliance with animal welfare standards under existing laws. The government is also expected to increase monitoring of slaughterhouses and related operations in the coming months.
The updated notification has triggered discussions across political and social circles, with supporters calling it a necessary regulatory step while others are closely watching how the rules will be implemented at the ground level.
