Anti-cow slaughter bill to be introduced in winter session: Karnataka Minister

Karnataka Animal Husbandry Minister Prabhu Chavan on Tuesday said that anti-cow slaughter bill will be introduced during winter session of state legislature starting from December 7. "It has been a desire to implement anti-cow slaughter law in Karnataka since I took over responsibility of this ministry and time for it has come w," Chavan said in a release.

Stating that he has held discussions with Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on this, Minister said during legislature sessio, anti-cow slaughter bill will be tabled and necessary preparations have been me in matter. "Similar acts implemented in or states have been studied and deliberations have taken place in this regard with officials and experts about furr strengning it in our state compared to ors.

In future cow slaughter will be banned in state and also its sale or purchase of beef both from within and outside state," he ded. According to release, Chavan said, if law is enacted, along with prohibition on slaughter, sale and use of beef, illegal transportation of animals for slaughtering will be stopped. BJP in its manifesto ahe of 2018 assembly election h promised prohibition of cow slaughter.

Despite resistance from opposition, n BJP government led by B S Yediyurappa in 2010 h got controversial Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill passed that proposed to replace Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act, 1964. bill h widened definition of ''cattle'' and imposed a blanket ban on cattle slaughter, coupled with stringent penalty clauses for violation.

However, Congress government heed by Siddaramaiah that came to power in 2013, withdrew bill that was before President for his assent. After BJP came back to power in state, several party leers have been making a pitch to re-enact anti-cow slaughter law. Minister said Karnataka Animal Welfare Board in state is empowered to prevent any form of animal right violations.