Overview
- Animal Husbandry Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu reiterated that the slaughter of cows, calves and camels is completely prohibited in Andhra Pradesh and warned of strict legal action for violations.
- The government said only goats, sheep, pigs, poultry, ducks, fish and buffaloes no longer used for breeding may be slaughtered for meat within the state.
- Veterinary staff were directed to coordinate with Revenue, Police, Municipal Administration and Panchayat Raj departments to detect and prevent unauthorised slaughter and illegal animal transport.
- Officials explicitly warned against overloading and inhuman transport conditions and said offenders could face criminal cases under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Andhra Pradesh Prohibition of Cow Slaughter and Animal Preservation laws.
- The ministry urged the public to consult local police for legal clarification and noted that while national animal-welfare rules exist, states set and enforce their own slaughter restrictions which affects how festivals are managed locally.