Karnataka Proposes Bill to Prohibit Cow Slaughter

Bangalore, Dec 14: The State government has proposed to bring in a BIll to prohibit slaughter of cattle, sale and possession of beef in the State.

If and when the Bill becomes Act, sale, possession and consumption of beef will be a non-bailable offence.  The Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Reservation of Cattle Bill 2009 is all set to be tabled in the legislature session beginning Monday. If passed by the legislature, the Bill will replace the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Prevention Act 1964.

Section 4 of the proposed Bill says “No person shall slaughter or intentionally kill any cattle”. The definition of cattle in the Bill includes cow, calf of a cow and bull, bullock, buffalo. Section of 5 of the Bill prohibits sale, use and possession of beef. Section 8 prohibits sale, purchase or disposal of cattle for slaughter. Transporting cattle outside the State without a valid permit issued by the Taluk Magistrate is not allowed.

The Bill exempts cattle which are operated upon for vaccine lymph, serum or for any experimental or research purpose in an institute established by the State Government from above restrictions. However, such cattle can be slaughtered only after obtaining certificate from veterinary officer, authorised by the State Government.

Any cattle slaughtered as per the regulations in the Bill shall be disposed of under the supervision of veterinary officer not below the rank of assistant director of Department of Animal Husbandry.

Punishment

Violation of the provisions in the Bill attract severe punishment. Slaughter of cattle will be punishable by  imprisonment of not less than a year and which may extend up to seven years, or a fine not less than Rs 25,000 and go up to Rs 50,000, or both.
Violation of provisions other than the Section 4, will be punished with imprisonment  for one to three years or with fine amounting to between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000, or with both. All offences are cognisable and non-bailable.

Go-Seva Ayog

The Bill further proposes establishment of a commission named as Go-Seva Ayog for protection of cattle. It will consist not more than 11 members including the Minister of Animal Husbandry as chairman. Three people who have been actively engaged in cattle welfare work would be nominated by the Government. The term of the commission will be three years.

The State Government may establish or direct any local authority or permit registered society to establish institutions for taking care of cattle.

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