Karnataka’s Anti-Cow Slaughter Law Activated

The Karnataka anti-cow slaughter law, a significant piece of legislation aimed at the protection and prevention of cows from illegal slaughter, has officially been put into effect as of January 18. This law enforces strict regulations and penalties to curb the unauthorized killing of cattle, reflecting the state’s commitment to preserving these animals.

Implementation of the Anti-Cow Slaughter Law

With the commencement of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Ordinance, 2020, all stipulated provisions are now active. This ordinance brings with it stringent penalties for those found violating the law. Individuals involved in cow slaughter or the illegal killing of calves can face severe legal consequences. The law mandates imprisonment ranging between three to seven years along with a monetary fine that may reach up to Rs 5 lakh for first-time offenders. For those who are caught committing these offences again, the law is even harsher, prescribing imprisonment for up to seven years and imposing fines up to Rs 10 lakh.

Permitted and Prohibited Activities

Under the new legal framework, the slaughter of cows and calves is strictly prohibited. This prohibition is part of the broader effort to protect cattle, which holds cultural and economic significance in the region. However, the law does make allowances in certain cases; for instance, the slaughter of buffaloes that are over the age of 13 years is permissible. This distinction is likely made based on the agricultural utility and lifecycle of the animals.

Furthermore, any illegal activities related to cattle such as culling, selling, or transporting cows without proper authorization are now punishable offenses under this ordinance. These measures aim to regulate the cattle trade and ensure that the welfare of cows is not compromised.

Exceptions in Case of Disease

The law also addresses scenarios where a cow may be suffering from an infectious disease. In such situations, it is understandable that the animal might need to be culled or slaughtered to prevent the spread of the disease to other livestock and maintain the health of the herd. The ordinance specifies that in the event of an infectious disease, exceptions can be made, allowing for the culling or slaughtering of the affected cow. This provision ensures that while the law is strict, it also remains practical and sensitive to the realities of cattle rearing and disease control.

Legislative Background

The path to the implementation of this law began with the Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala giving his assent to the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill-2020 in January. The bill had previously been passed in the Karnataka state assembly during December 2020, setting the stage for its transformation into an enforceable ordinance.

The introduction of this anti-cow slaughter law marks a significant development in Karnataka’s legislative landscape, showcasing the government’s intent to reinforce the protection of cattle within the state. With these provisions now in force, authorities are expected to rigorously enforce the rules to prevent illegal cattle slaughter and ensure the preservation of these animals, which are considered sacred by many in the region.