Just days ahead of Eid al-Adha, the Assam government has directed the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Board of India’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regarding the prohibition of illegal killing or sacrifice of cows, calves, camels, and other animals, as well as the prosecution of violators of animal transportation rules.
Last year, Assam passed a law requiring the sale of beef only in designated areas, prohibiting any sale in areas inhabited by non-beef-eating communities. Cows and their calves are protected under the law. Cattle over the age of 14 are otherwise permitted to be slaughtered.
“No one shall directly sell, offer for sale, or buy beef products in any form except in places authorised by the competent authority.
It is provided that no such permission shall be granted in any area primarily inhabited by Hindu, Jain, Sikh, or other non-beef eating communities. Also, within a 5 km radius of any temple, Satra (monastery), or other religious institutions belonging to the Hindu religion, or any other institutions or areas as prescribed by the competent authority, as stated in the law.
It went on to say that cattle can only be slaughtered in Assam with permission from authorities and at a licenced slaughterhouse after government veterinary officers issue fitness certificates.
If the rules are broken, the accused will not be granted bail until the public prosecutor is allowed to be heard on such a petition. If convicted under the new law, a person can face up to eight years in prison and a fine of Rs 5 lakh.
