Shillong, June 12: The Meghalaya Assembly on Monday passed a resolution to oppose the Centre’s notification that restricted cattle trade in animal markets for slaughter.
The resolution was passed by the Assembly during a special session to demand from the Centre to immediately withdraw the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017, as it “endure serious shortfall and has adverse impact on the economy and culture of Meghalaya.”
Moving the resolution, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said that the notification violated fundamental rights of the people. “These rules in the present form, will severely hamper socio-economic, cultural and religious rights of the people of the State guaranteed in the Constitution of India under Article 21 and Article 26. Cattle meat is an integral part of the dietary habits of the tribal populace of Meghalaya since it is rich in mineral and is one of the cheap sources of protein especially for the economically weaker section of the society.”
The resolution also said that subjects related to agriculture, animal husbandry including cattle market are covered under items 14, 15 & 28 of the List II of VII Scheduled to the Constitution, over which, the States alone have elite jurisdiction to legislate upon .
The Centre’s notification are in contravention of section 38 as it goes beyond the said Act, which is considered the killing of animals subject to the Preamble of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, he said.
Other members of the Assembly including Opposition members supported the resolution.
Meghalaya Assembly passes resolution against rules on cattle trade for slaughter
