The CID (CB) has appealed to the general public not to misinterpret or spread misinformation about the letter which was issued to districts SPs to strictly implement the Animal Welfare Laws to stop illegal slaughter of animals during the Bakrid festival
The letter was circulated among the district SPs in Manipur as directed from time to time by the concerned ministry which is meant for all states and Union territories, stated a clarification issued by the CID (CB).
On July 13, the SP of CID (CB) wrote to all the districts SPs for adoption of strict implementation of the existing animal welfare laws in the country and for taking stringent action against violators as conveyed by the secretary of Animal Welfare Board of India, ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying to all states and Union territories vide letter No 9-2/2019-20/PCA dated June 25, it said.
It mentioned that the relevant Animal Welfare Laws mentioned are the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960; Transport of Animals Rules, 1978; Transport of Animals (Amendment) Rules, 2001; Slaughter House Rules, 2001; Municipal Laws and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India directions.
"The laws are not directed at any particular community or religion. They are existing laws, rules and regulations to prevent cruelty to animals in general and to ensure that food safety standards for human consumption are maintained,” it added.
On July 14, the Manipur Muslim Welfare Organisation (MMWO) had urged the police not to interfere in the religious practice of the Manipuri Muslim community in slaughtering animals during the occasion of Bakrid festival.
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