Centre bans cattle trade for slaughter

government has notified rules, prohibiting the sale of cattle, including buffalo, for slaughter at animal markets across the country. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017, ensure that young and unfit cattle cannot be traded at markets and the fit ones can be sold only for agricultural purposes. Those buying the animal must prove that they are "agriculturists". says the rules aim to ensure the welfare of cattle at markets and end cattle smuggling. The rules have irked meat traders who say they usually procure cattle from the market. The new rules would not only jeopardise buffalo meat exports, but also cripple the livestock economy, which is bigger than the food grain economy in India.