The government of West Bengal has issued new and stricter regulations on animal slaughter, banning the public slaughter of cattle and all other animals across the state. According to the directive, anyone wishing to slaughter cattle or other animals must obtain official approval and a fitness certificate from a government veterinarian. Violations of the new rules may result in up to six months of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

The notification, reported by NDTV, specifies that animals such as cows, bulls, oxen, and buffaloes can only be slaughtered after receiving joint certification from local authorities and government veterinarians. Only animals older than fourteen years or those unfit for work or breeding may be approved for slaughter. Animals suffering from severe injury, disability, or incurable disease may also be permitted for slaughter, provided the certificate clearly states the reason.

The directive further mandates that approved animals must be slaughtered only in designated slaughterhouses or officially approved locations. Open or public slaughter is completely prohibited, and obstruction of inspections by authorized officials will be treated as a punishable offense.