West Bengal BJP Government Introduces Strict Rules on Animal Sacrifice, Mandatory Certification Required

The newly formed BJP government in West Bengal has introduced strict rules to regulate animal sacrifice across the state. Under new guidelines, unauthorized sacrifice of animals for religious purposes will now be a punishable offense. The regulation focuses mainly on livestock such as cows, buffaloes, oxen, and calves. Anyone wishing to sacrifice an animal must first get an official certificate from local officials and a veterinary surgeon. Only animals aged 14 or older may be sacrificed unless they are permanently unfit due to age, injury, or disease.

The rules ban animal sacrifice in public areas like roadsides and open spaces, even with certification. All procedures must happen in government-approved slaughterhouses. If permission is denied, individuals can appeal within 15 days. The government says these changes follow recent court orders about public animal sacrifice during religious events. The aim is to enforce an older law from 1950 while protecting public health and the environment. Violators could face up to six months in jail or a fine of ₹1,000, or both.