Delhi Bans Cow Sacrifices Ahead Bakrid

Delhi Development Minister Kapil Mishra said on May 22 that the city had issued strict guidelines ahead of Bakrid, warning that the sacrifice of cows, calves, camels and other prohibited animals was illegal in the national capital. The directions also barred sacrifice on roads, streets and other public places, and warned of criminal action over illegal transport, unauthorised slaughter and animal cruelty. Officials were told to permit sacrifice only at authorised and designated locations. The advisory came days before Bakrid, which Indian media reports said was expected around May 27 or May 28, subject to moon sighting. ### Which animals did Delhi say could not be sacrificed? Kapil Mishra said the slaughter or sacrifice of cows, calves, camels and other prohibited animals would not be allowed during the festival period. In a post quoted by multiple Indian outlets, he said criminal cases would be registered against those who carried out or attempted prohibited sacrifices. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) The Times of India reported that Mishra gave the directions during a review meeting with officials on Thursday. NDTV and India TV separately reported that the advisory framed the restrictions under existing laws and warned of legal action against violators. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) ### Where did the government say sacrifice could take place? Delhi’s advisory said animal sacrifice could take place only at legally authorised and designated locations. Mishra also said no sacrifice should be carried out on roads, streets or in other public places. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) NDTV reported that the advisory explicitly barred sacrifice in open areas, while the Times of India said the minister linked the restriction to public hygiene and compliance with legal provisions. India TV said Mishra also warned against sacrifice in residential neighbourhoods. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) ### What did the order say about animal markets and transport? The May 22 directions said buying and selling animals in public spaces was illegal, and officials were told to act immediately on complaints involving unlawful transport, unauthorised slaughter or cruelty to animals. Mishra also called for compliance with safety, health and welfare standards during transportation, according to the Times of India. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) India TV reported that the government separately warned against makeshift street markets and unauthorised animal trading ahead of the festival. The Delhi government also asked for coordination between local administration, police and other departments, especially in what the Times of India described as sensitive areas. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) ### What rules were issued on waste and sanitation? Mishra said blood from sacrificed animals must not flow into roads, drains or canals, and remains must not be dumped in the open. He said disposal had to follow prescribed safety and hygiene standards, with monitoring by the relevant departments. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) India TV and NDTV both reported that the advisory also prohibited dumping waste into sewers, drains and other public places. Mishra said sacrifice should be performed only at designated valid sites and warned of action over improper disposal. ### What legal basis did the minister cite? The Times of India said Mishra referred to guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India to chief secretaries and directors general of police across states. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) He said cruelty to animals is punishable under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and directed officials to register criminal cases where violations were found. (ndtv.com) Mishra also appealed to residents to report illegal transportation, cruelty or unauthorised slaughter to police or administrative authorities. With Bakrid expected later in May, Delhi authorities have been instructed to enforce the advisory through the festival period. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)