Overview
- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, after a Thursday review, directed police to stop illegal cattle transport and ensure slaughter takes place only at approved sites.
- The public notice issued Wednesday mandates a fit-for-slaughter certificate for cows, bulls and buffaloes, signed jointly by a municipal or panchayat chief and a government veterinary surgeon.
- Officials can certify only animals older than 14 years or those permanently incapacitated by age, injury, deformity or an incurable disease.
- Open slaughter is prohibited, with killing allowed only at municipal or administration-designated slaughterhouses, which could strain limited facilities as the festival nears.
- Violations are cognisable offences carrying up to six months in jail or a ₹1,000 fine, and the order omits earlier exemptions for religious, medicinal or research purposes, drawing concern from Muslim leaders.