In anticipation of Bakrid 2025, the Delhi government has issued a stringent advisory banning the illegal slaughter of cows, calves, camels, and any other prohibited animals, reinforcing regulations that uphold animal welfare, food safety, and public hygiene. The notice comes ahead of Bakrid celebrations on June 7, with the city administration seeking to ensure religious practices are observed within legal and ethical boundaries.

The advisory, issued on June 6, 2025, comes amid growing concerns about the emergence of unauthorised animal markets and illegal slaughtering hubs throughout Delhi’s residential and commercial areas during the festival. The government’s notification is aimed at safeguarding the rights of animals, curbing health hazards, and preserving communal harmony during a sensitive time of religious observance.

Core of the Advisory: A Legal Standpoint

The government’s notification highlights several key violations and legal statutes that prohibit the slaughter of specific animals and stress the importance of adhering to licensed methods:

• Rule 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001:
  "No person shall slaughter any animal within a municipal area except in a slaughterhouse recognized or licensed by the concerned authority."

• Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 1994:
  Categorically prohibits the slaughter of cows, calves, and other agricultural cattle within Delhi’s boundaries. This law stands as a strict directive against cow slaughter, considering the animal’s religious and agricultural significance.

• Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011:
  Camels are not classified as food animals under Rule 2.5.1(a). Hence, they are ineligible for slaughter for food purposes. Any sacrifice involving camels, particularly for consumption, will be deemed illegal under national food safety norms.

• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Transport of Animals) Rules, 1978:
  The advisory warns that these rules are often violated during animal transportation, resulting in inhumane treatment, and urges vigilance and strict application of these laws.

Concerns Raised by the Government

The Delhi government highlighted two major apprehensions in its advisory:

1. Cruelty during transportation:
   Reports suggest that during the mass movement of animals toward Bakrid, several regulations governing their care and transportation are neglected, leading to cruelty, injury, and distress among animals. This has prompted the government to remind transporters and caretakers of their statutory obligations.

2. Illegal animal markets:
   The government anticipates a surge in unauthorised animal trading centres, especially in densely populated localities, posing sanitation hazards, law-and-order challenges, and animal rights violations. Such setups often operate without municipal permission, making them hotspots for illegal sacrifice and public disorder.

Instructions to Enforcement Authorities

In order to curb potential violations, the advisory has directed all Commissioners, District Magistrates, and Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) across Delhi to implement strict preventive and enforcement measures. These include:

• Surveillance and shutdown of illegal animal markets

• Monitoring of transportation to ensure compliance with animal welfare laws

• Prevention of cow, calf, and camel sacrifice, even within private spaces

• Inspection of slaughterhouses to verify licenses and hygiene standards

• Immediate legal action under relevant acts against violators

“All concerned authorities are requested to take suitable precautionary measures for enforcing laws relating to welfare of animals and take stringent action against offenders,” the directive stated unequivocally.

A Balancing Act: Religious Sentiments vs. Legal Compliance

While Bakrid (Eid al-Adha) is marked by the ritual sacrifice of animals in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion, the Delhi administration’s emphasis is on balancing religious freedom with legality and public interest. Officials have reiterated that only goats and sheep, slaughtered at licensed and hygienic slaughterhouses, are permissible during Bakrid.

The administration’s move is expected to be met with mixed reactions. While animal rights activists and civic health advocates have welcomed the decision, there are concerns within segments of the community over the timing and enforcement pattern of such advisories. However, government officials clarified that the advisory does not interfere with religious rituals, provided they are conducted in a lawful, humane, and sanitary manner.

Public Cooperation Urged

To further amplify the campaign’s effectiveness, the Delhi government has urged residents and community leaders to:

• Avoid purchasing animals from unauthorised vendors or locations

• Ensure that any religious sacrifice is conducted only in approved slaughterhouses

• Report illegal animal markets or slaughtering activities to local municipal authorities or the police

A dedicated control room and helpline network have been set up to respond swiftly to violations during the festival period. Additionally, posters, public announcements, and local outreach teams are being deployed across Delhi’s wards to raise awareness about the legalities surrounding Bakrid animal sacrifice.

A Nationwide Relevance

Delhi's action is reflective of a broader trend across Indian cities, where state governments are aligning religious practices with public safety and animal welfare frameworks. In recent years, similar advisories and legal interventions have been seen in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bhopal, and Jaipur, particularly where public sentiment around cow protection is heightened.

As Bakrid 2025 approaches, Delhi’s approach underscores its policy of zero tolerance toward illegal slaughter, emphasizing that devotion must be practiced within the bounds of the law.

Conclusion

With Bakrid just around the corner, the Delhi government's advisory serves as a timely reminder of the laws governing animal sacrifice. It reiterates that cow and camel slaughter is strictly prohibited, and that all ritual sacrifices must comply with licensing and food safety regulations.

The administration has mobilized enforcement authorities, stressed on legal slaughterhouse usage, and launched an awareness campaign to ensure peaceful, lawful celebrations. As the city prepares for one of Islam's most important festivals, the message is clear: devotion and legality must go hand in hand.

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