Question : Illegal Slaughter of Cattle

(a) whether there is rampant illegal slaughter of cattle in the country which are considered non-productive to the dairy industry especially, male calves and non-productive cattle;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State/ UT-wise and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether it is also a fact that in many States, other unwanted cattle are abandoned on roads, forcing them to fend for themselves after spending their most productive years, if so, the details thereof and the reasons for prevailing situation in the States along with laws prevailing in each State including State of Andhra Pradesh;
(d) the reasons for not taking proper action by the concerned agencies including States, civic bodies and the Animal Welfare Boards for such situation in the form of animal rights abuse; and
(e) the other steps taken by the Government to protect animals particularly cattle like cows and calves and prevent cruelty against such animals?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) and (b) Complaints relating to rampant illegal slaughter of cattle in the country which are considered non- productive to the dairy industry, especially male calves and non-productive cattle are not received by the Animal Welfare Board. However, whenever such sporadic complaints are received, the State law enforcement authorities are requested to take necessary action.
Formulation of policy on slaughter of animals is the State subject on which the State legislature has exclusive powers to legislate. Most of the States have already formulated Animal Slaughter Act, in order to regulate slaughtering of animals.

(c) It is the responsibility and the mandate of the Panchayat/local bodies of the State Government for taking action against the persons abandoning their animals on roads.

As per Section 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty Animals Act, 1960, it shall be the duty of every person having the care or charge of any animal to take all reasonable measures to ensure the well-being of such animal and to prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering.

As per Section 11(1) (h) of the PCA Act, 1960, it is deemed as cruelty, if any person, being the owner of (any animal) fails to provide such animal with sufficient food, drink or shelter; and (i) without reasonable cause, abandons any animal in circumstances which tender it likely that it will suffer pain by reason of starvation, thirst; and it is a punishable offense under the PCA Act, 1960. These provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 are to be enforced by the concerned officials of the State Govt. and action as per law is to be taken against those in violation of laws.

(d) The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is an advisory body and provides regular advisories to State and Central Government on the issues related to animal welfare including cruelty meted out to animals. Wherever the number of animals sheltered by the animal welfare organizations exceed then it is the responsibility of the Panchayat / Local Bodies to see that additional shelters are provided for sheltering the animals so that they are not subjected to unnecessary pain or suffering. Animal Welfare Board takes action as per the provisions of the law if it is not complied with by the concerned State Governments.

(e) Government of India has enacted the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and has framed various rules under the act to prevent cruelty against animals including cattle like cow and calves.

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