Eid-ul-Azha In Delhi: What’s Banned, What’s Allowed, And What Can Get You Penalised

Delhi government issued a strict advisory for Eid-ul-Azha, prohibiting illegal animal sacrifices, especially of cows and camels, outside designated slaughterhouses.

Delhi Issues Strict Eid Advisory: No Public Sacrifices, Camels, or Cow Slaughter Allowed

Source : PTI

In a bid to ensure lawful and hygienic observance of Eid-ul-Azha on June 7, the Delhi Government has issued a strict advisory warning against the illegal killing and sacrifice of cows, calves, camels, and other prohibited animals.

The advisory mandates that all sacrificial rituals must take place only at designated locations, explicitly prohibiting animal sacrifices on roadsides, streets, or any public spaces. Additionally, it bans taking or sharing photos and videos of these rituals on social media platforms, aiming to curb the promotion or glorification of such acts.

Development Minister Kapil Mishra stated, "The Delhi Government is committed to protecting our cultural and environmental heritage, of which animal welfare is an integral part. We will not tolerate any illegal sacrifices or cruelty during the festival celebration. Strict compliance with the advisory is non-negotiable, and violators will face immediate action from law enforcement agencies."

The government emphasized that the advisory aligns with existing legal provisions, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Transport of Animals Rules, 1978, Slaughter House Rules, 2001, and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

It also highlights that Rule 3 of the Slaughter House Rules, 2001, prohibits the killing of animals outside designated slaughterhouses—especially if they are pregnant, have offspring less than three months old, or are uncertified by a veterinary doctor. The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, classify camels as non-food animals, making their slaughter illegal. Additionally, the Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 1994, strictly bans the slaughter of cows in the capital.

The advisory has been circulated to the Secretary-cum-Commissioner (Development), District Magistrates (DMs), Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), the Commissioner of MCD, and other relevant authorities. Officials have been directed to enforce animal welfare laws rigorously and take stringent action against violators during the Bakra-Eid celebrations.