With no let up in the criticism against Centre’s recent order on ban on sale of cattle, like cows and buffaloes at animal markets for the purpose of slaughtering, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan on Monday sought to clarify that the Government has no intention to interfere in the food habits of the people across the community.
Talking about the notification on cow slaughter, the Minister said that the laws are already existing under the law ‘Prevention of cruelty to animals’. “These rules have been framed on the directions of the Supreme Court of India. We have clarified time and again that the Government has absolutely no intention to directly or indirectly influence the food habits of even one citizen of this country. Also, the Government has no intention of affect adversely the slaughtering business,” Harsh Vardhan said at an event.
He said that when the Government has made it clear, then there should be no confusion about the issue. The Minister further added that the Government is not viewing it as a prestige issue and has taken into consideration all the objections that has been raised in the matter so far.
The notification issued last month covers a host of animals such as cows, buffaloes, bullocks, calves and camels. The rules allow only farmland owners to trade cattle at markets, allegedly to limit the trade of the cattle only for agricultural purposes not for slaughter.
The rules are already facing legal challenges from States. While welfare of animals is a Union Ministry subject, regulation of cattle trade falls within the purview of the State Government.