After Centre rap,MP cuts cow-slaughter term

The Bill was sent to the Centre for examination in 2007 before it was passed in the state Assembly because some of the provisions clashed with central legislations. MP hoped to become the second state after Gujarat to impose a blanket ban on cow slaughter.

The Centre,however,returned the draft saying a total ban on cow slaughter will adversely impact the policy of the Government of India to promote better breeds of cattle under National Cattle/Buffalo Breeding Programme. It also said the continued existence of unproductive cattle would burden the owner and affect environment by way of production more ozone depleting gases.

This position of the department was earlier communicated in connection with the Maharashtra Animals Preservation Amendment Bill 1995 and there is no change in the above stand, the office memorandum sent by the Department of Animal Husbandry,Dairying and Fisheries said.

The Centre has also objected to the sub-section ea of Section 2 of the proposed Bill saying it would restrict people from moving cow and its progeny even in the vicinity of a village on foot and asked the state government to incorporate necessary safeguards.

The state was asked to make arrangements for not only feeding,maintenance of seized cow and progeny but also for preservation of beef,which is perishable. The Centre also suggested a clause in the Bill that would provide for euthanasia for diseased animals.