The recent withdrawal of the Livestock and Livestock Products (Importation and Exportation) Bill, 2023 by the Central Government has sparked debates and discussions surrounding the regulations pertaining to the import and export of animals, including domestic pets. This proposed bill aimed to replace the outdated legislation governing these practices and introduce significant changes in the livestock industry.
Introducing the Livestock Bill 2023
The Livestock and Livestock Products (Importation and Exportation) Bill, 2023 was drafted by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. Its primary objective was to establish comprehensive guidelines for the import and export of live animals, including expanding the scope to cover domestic pets like dogs and cats. Additionally, the bill aimed to categorize livestock as a tradable “commodity.”
Addressing the Need for a New Bill
The existing law governing the importation of livestock, the Live-stock Importation Act, 1898, has been in force for over a century and is deemed outdated. Given the evolving requirements and contemporary circumstances related to sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures, there has been a pressing need to update the legislation to align it with current standards. The Livestock Bill 2023 sought to bridge this gap and provide a more relevant framework for regulating livestock import and export.
Key Differences from the Live-stock Importation Act, 1898
The proposed bill differed from the Live-stock Importation Act, 1898 in several significant ways. Firstly, it allowed for the export of live animals, expanding the scope of trade opportunities in the livestock sector. Additionally, the definition of “live-stock” was broadened to include domestic pets, such as cats and dogs. Lastly, the bill curtailed the powers of state governments in regulating the import and export of animals, centralizing these responsibilities under the central government’s jurisdiction.
Criticism and Controversy
The Livestock Bill 2023 faced considerable criticism from animal rights organizations, which argued that allowing the live export of animals from India could lead to widespread abuse and exploitation. According to figures released by the United Nations in 2021, approximately 2 billion of the 80 billion land animals raised for food worldwide are exported alive to different countries. Animal welfare advocates raised concerns about the potential mistreatment and disregard for the well-being of animals during long-distance transportation.
The Withdrawal and Future Considerations
The withdrawal of the Livestock and Livestock Products (Importation and Exportation) Bill, 2023 by the Central Government indicates a pause in the proposed changes to the regulations surrounding livestock import and export. The concerns raised by animal rights organizations regarding the welfare of animals during transportation and trade will likely prompt further deliberations and revisions before any future legislation is introduced.
Moving forward, it is essential to strike a balance between economic considerations and animal welfare concerns. Comprehensive measures should be put in place to ensure the humane treatment of animals involved in livestock trade, both domestically and internationally. This may include stricter regulations on transportation conditions, regular monitoring, and robust enforcement mechanisms to prevent any potential abuse.
