Big move by Bengal BJP government: No cattle slaughter without official fitness certificate

Kolkata: In a major policy move after sweeping the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the BJP-led state government has issued a fresh order enforcing strict cattle slaughter rules across the state. The notification makes it mandatory to obtain a fitness certificate before any cattle or buffalo can be slaughtered, while also banning slaughter outside authorised facilities.

The latest West Bengal government order cites the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, along with a 2018 Calcutta High Court ruling, and signals the new administration’s push for stricter enforcement of existing cattle slaughter laws.

Under the revised rules, a fitness certificate will only be issued if the animal is above 14 years of age and declared permanently unfit for breeding or work. The approval must come jointly from a Government Veterinary Officer and either the Chairperson of a Municipality or the President of a Panchayat Samiti.

The government also clarified that animals suffering from incurable disease, severe injury, deformity or old-age-related incapacity may qualify for certification.

In another key update, the BJP government has barred slaughter in public or unauthorised places. Cattle and buffaloes can now only be slaughtered at municipal slaughterhouses or facilities officially approved by the local administration.

Officials warned that violation of the law could lead to imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to ₹1,000, or both.

The government said applicants whose requests for a fitness certificate are rejected can appeal before the state government within 15 days of receiving the refusal notice.

With ANI inputs