2 days ago
Delhi govt issues advisory against illegal killing, sacrifice of cows, camels during Bakrid
The Delhi Government Thursday issued an advisory against the illegal killing and sacrifice of cows, calves, camels, and other prohibited animals during the Bakrid or Eid al-Adha festival, which will be observed on Saturday. It directed concerned departments to initiate strict action against offenders as per the law.
The advisory issued by the Development Department stated: '…a large number of animals are likely to be custom sacrificed during the Bakra-Eid festival in Delhi, to be celebrated on June 7, 2025. It has been reported that during transportation of animals, the provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Transport of Animals) Rules, 1978 are not complied with by the owner/caretakers and the animals, and as a result thereof, the animals suffer cruelty during transportation.'
It is also feared that many illegal animal markets and illegal slaughtering points may come up in different parts of Delhi on the eve of the festival, the advisory said. As per rules, no person shall slaughter any animal within a municipal area except at a slaughterhouse recognised or licensed by the concerned authority, said the government.
Kapil Mishra, Minister of Development, 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 the law enforcement agencies.'
'Further, as per rules…camels are not considered as food animals, hence they cannot be slaughtered for food purposes. The Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 1994, strictly prohibits the slaughtering of cows in Delhi,' the advisory stated.
It also banned the clicking or sharing of photos and videos of the sacrificial ritual on social media platforms, aiming to prevent the promotion or glorification of such activities.
The government directed all concerned authorities to take suitable precautionary measures to 'stop illegal killing of animals during Bakra-Eid festival and to take stringent action against the offenders…,' it added.
