Delhi Bans Cow Sacrifice Ahead of Bakrid

Delhi Development Minister Kapil Mishra said on May 22 that officials had been ordered to strictly enforce animal welfare and slaughter rules ahead of Bakrid in the national capital. The Delhi government said cows, calves, camels and other prohibited animals could not be slaughtered or offered for sacrifice during the festival period. The minister also directed authorities to act against illegal transportation of animals, unauthorised slaughter and cruelty, according to an official release reported by local media. The Delhi government said sacrifice could take place only at authorised and designated locations, and not on roads, streets or other public places. The instructions also said buying and selling animals in public spaces was “completely illegal” and that departments should respond immediately to complaints about illegal slaughter or unlawful transport. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) ### Which animals are covered by the Delhi order? The May 22 directions specifically named cows, calves and camels, while also referring to “other prohibited animals” under existing law. Mishra’s office said the ban would be enforced during the Bakrid period. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) Delhi law already bars the slaughter of “agricultural cattle,” including cows, calves, bulls and bullocks, under the Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 1994. The same law also prohibits transporting such cattle out of Delhi for slaughter. ### What did Kapil Mishra tell officials to do? Mishra told officials in a review meeting to ensure strict enforcement and to register criminal cases where violations are found, according to the release cited by Times of India. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) He said cruelty to animals is punishable under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and called for coordination between the local administration, police and other departments, especially in sensitive areas. (development.delhi.gov.in) The minister also said animal blood should not flow into roads, drains or canals, and that remains left after sacrifice must not be dumped in the open. He directed departments to ensure disposal followed prescribed safety and hygiene standards. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) ### What does this mean for Bakrid celebrations in Delhi? Delhi’s instructions do not ban Bakrid observance itself. The order focuses on where sacrifice may occur, which animals are barred under law, and how waste must be handled. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) Eid al-Adha, also called Bakrid, is being observed in India on May 28 this year, according to reports on the Delhi advisory. That timing explains the government’s push this week for enforcement and public-hygiene measures before the festival. ### Why did the government cite animal welfare rules? (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) Mishra said the Delhi measures were being issued with reference to guidelines from the Animal Welfare Board of India sent to chief secretaries and directors general of police across states. He said effective implementation of animal protection laws was necessary during the festival period. (livemint.com) The Animal Welfare Board of India describes itself as a statutory advisory body under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. A 2025 government briefing said the board advises state and central governments on animal welfare issues and periodically writes to states and union territories on complaints and enforcement. ### Where can residents expect enforcement next? Delhi officials were told to monitor authorised sacrifice sites, public spaces and transport routes, and to coordinate across departments in sensitive areas, the May 22 release said. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) Mishra also appealed to residents to report illegal transportation, cruelty or unauthorised slaughter to police or administrative authorities. (awbi.gov.in) May 28 is the next concrete date in the story, with Eid al-Adha scheduled that day in India and Delhi authorities expected to implement the festival-period instructions then. Kapil Mishra, whose profile appears on the Delhi government website, is the minister identified as issuing the directions. (livemint.com) (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)