BENGALURU: Animal Husbandry Minister Prabhu B Chavan has appealed to people not to sacrifice cattle for the Bakrid festival, while warning of stern action against the offenders.
The minister emphasised that the Cow Slaughter Prohibition Act is in force in Karnataka and instructed the officials of the Animal Husbandry Department and the Police Department to keep an eagle eye on illegal movement of cows and beef to/from outside the state and to be proactive in preventing cow slaughter.
Generally, during the Bakrid festival, there is a tradition of sacrifice, for which livestock such as cows, oxen, calves and camels are also used, said Chavan.
He said the police department and district deputy commissioners have already been informed to ensure that cows are not slaughtered for any reason as the ban on cow slaughter has been strictly implemented in the state.
“Animal Husbandry Department officials and police department officials in all the border areas of the state should be vigilant and ensure that the Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act is not violated. If cow slaughter is found, an FIR will be registered in the local police station immediately and strict action will be taken against the culprits,” Chavan said.
The minister appealed to the public to be aware of the cattle slaughter prevention and protection Act, 2020, which allows cases to be filed against the sellers and buyers of cattle for cow slaughter.
He warned that Animal Husbandry Department officials have been given district-wise responsibility and if any cow slaughter is found to be taking place in their respective areas, stern action will be taken against such officials.
A task force has been appointed in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) zone and taluks of the city district to prevent cow slaughter on the occasion of Bakrid in Bengaluru city district and if any slaughter of cattle (including cow, cow, ox, bull, calf, camel and thirteen-year-old buffalo) takes place, action will be immediately taken against them, he warned .
Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid) will likely be observed on July 10. However, it depends on the sighting of the moon. Eid-ul-Azha is also known as ‘Sacrifice Feast’ and is marked by sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep or a goat to prove their devotion and love for Allah. Post the sacrifice, people distribute the offerings to family, friends, neighbours and especially to the poor and needy. (ANI)