The Gauhati High court, Kohima bench has stayed the Nagaland government’s decision to impose a ban on the import and sale of dogs and dog meat.
On Wednesday, the court passed the interim order while hearing a petition filed by licensed dog meat traders of Nagaland.
Justice S. Hukato Swu stated, “until the next returnable date” in an interim order passed on November 25 after hearing a petition by licensed dog meat traders challenging the ban. The next hearing will be after the winter vacation.
The Nagaland cabinet on July 3 banned the “commercial import and trading of dogs, dog markets and also the sale of dog meat in the state, triggering widespread criticism with leading organizations calling it an “invasion” of the unique Naga culture and food habits.
Dog slaughter is illegal under Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011, also prohibits the slaughter of dogs or cats for food.
Dog trade is well entrenched in Nagaland, a Christian-dominated state. The Opposition Naga People’s Front legislator Chotisuh Sazo welcomed the court order.