Mira-Bhayandar civic body bans goat rearing, slaughter in housing societies

The Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation has banned residents from keeping goats and carrying out sacrificial slaughter inside housing societies, homes, shops and on public roads.

The ruling BJP passed the resolution on Tuesday, 18 Aug citing recurring disputes between residents during religious events. The civic body sits on Mumbai's outskirts.

Nearly four months ago, communal tensions flared at a Mira Road housing complex after 40 to 50 goats were brought in for sacrificial slaughter. The incident led to protests by Hindutva activists, prompting civic authorities to dismantle the temporary structure set up for the animals.

Alongside the restrictions, the resolution requires all meat-selling businesses to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the corporation. Selling meat without an NOC, or in open spaces, carries a Rs 25,000 fine.

Vendors are barred from displaying meat or animal parts visible from roads and must install frosted or tinted glass. A first violation triggers a Rs 25,000 fine, with repeated offences potentially leading to permanent licence cancellation and criminal charges.

The resolution also restricts feeding stray animals to designated civic zones, banning it at roads, public junctions, schools, hospitals and playgrounds. Violators feeding animals at unauthorised locations face a Rs 5,000 fine.

(With inputs from PTI)