Govt Heeds Public Outcry and Withdraws Livestock Bill, Promising Wider Consultation

The central government has decided to withdraw the proposed draft of the Livestock and Livestock Products (Importation and Exportation) Bill, 2023. The decision came after widespread concern was raised by animal lovers and activists who argued that the bill would lead to cruelty and harm the gene pool of native animals.

In an official order issued on Tuesday, the Department of animal husbandry and dairying stated that during the consultation, they had observed that sufficient time was needed to comprehend the proposed draft and provide additional comments and suggestions. The department recognized the representations it had received, which expressed concerns about animal welfare and related matters, and it reached the conclusion that the draft bill necessitated broader consultation.

The Livestock and Livestock Products (Importation and Exportation) Bill, 2023 aimed to update and replace the existing Livestock Importation Act of 1898 and the Livestock Importation (Amendment) Act of 2001. Officials from the department of animal husbandry and dairying explained that the need to align the bill with contemporary requirements and prevailing circumstances, including sanitary and physio-sanitary measures, prompted the drafting process.

The draft bill encompassed measures for regulating the importation of livestock and livestock products, as well as promoting and developing the export of such items. Notably, the bill included canines and felines in the list of livestock.

Activists opposing the bill argued that it would pave the way for unregulated and large-scale import and export of animals, which could adversely affect the gene pool of native animals. Last week, animal rights activists and celebrities took to Twitter to voice their opposition, demanding an immediate withdrawal of the bill. The deadline for submitting suggestions and objections to the draft bill was June 17.

Gauri Maulekhi, an animal rights activist, emphasized the cruelty imposed on animals when they are treated as commodities through import and export. She raised concerns about native animals being exported to climates that are unsuitable for them. The withdrawal of the amendment was welcomed by Ambika Shukla, a trustee at People For Animals (PFA), who noted that the decision resulted from a spontaneous nationwide protest led by citizens. Shukla highlighted the growing recognition of animal welfare as a significant concern in India, no longer considered a fringe movement.

Shukla expressed gratitude to the government for their responsiveness and responsibility regarding the matter, stating that India has shown concern for the welfare of animals. Shukla also expressed anticipation for further positive developments and emphasized the objective of challenging the concept of livestock transport, with the aim of putting an end to it. Shukla called for a comprehensive prohibition on the transportation of livestock.