Amaravati: Ahead of Eid-al-Adha (Bakrid), the Andhra Pradesh Department of Animal Husbandry has released detailed guidelines on animal slaughter and transportation to ensure strict compliance with animal welfare laws and religious harmony.
In its official directive, the department has permitted the slaughter of goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, fish, and non-productive buffaloes during the Bakrid festival. However, the government has strictly prohibited the slaughter of cows, calves, and camels under state and national laws.
“Anyone found involved in the slaughter of cows, calves, or camels, or transporting animals in overloaded vehicles, will be considered to be violating the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Andhra Pradesh Prohibition of Cow Slaughter and Animal Preservation Act, 1977. Criminal action will be initiated against such violators,” said Dr. T. Damodara Naidu, Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Andhra Pradesh.
The department has emphasized the importance of ethical treatment and welfare of animals during transport. All citizens and meat sellers are instructed to follow proper loading and movement procedures to avoid cruelty and illegal trafficking.
In preparation for the festival, the department has directed veterinary officers across the state to be alert and coordinate closely with Revenue, Police, Municipal, and Panchayati Raj departments to curb unauthorized slaughter activities.
“Given the Bakrid festival, veterinary staff at the field level are instructed to remain vigilant and coordinate with personnel from Revenue, Police, Municipal, and Panchayati Raj departments to prevent unauthorised animal slaughter,” added Dr. Naidu.
