BBMP was also asked to check the process of stunning the animals at the slaughterhouses before licenses are issued.
Bengaluru: Amid a controversy over the sale of halal meat during Ugadi festivities, the Karnataka Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services department Sunday asked the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to ask the city’s meat shops and slaughterhouses to mandatorily stun all animals before they are slaughtered.
BBMP was also asked to check the process of stunning the animals at the slaughterhouses before licenses are issued.
The department, in a communique, said, “We have received complaints from people about the stunning procedure not being followed at slaughter houses and chicken stalls.”
The department’s action comes after animal lovers raised a hue and cry and pointed towards the Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Rules, 2001. Under the Section 6 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001, rule number 4 says, “Every slaughter house as soon as possible shall provide a separate space for stunning of animals prior to slaughter, bleeding and dressing of the carcasses.”
In the process of stunning, an animal is primarily made unconscious before slaughtering. BBMP was also asked to report to the Society for Prevention of Cruelty (SPCA) on the action taken to ensure proper stunning processes are being undertaken at the slaughterhouses.
Days after a controversy over a ban on hijabs had rocked Karnataka, fresh protests have now erupted over the sale of halal meat in the state. On Thursday last week, five activists of the Bajrang Dal were arrested for assaulting people in separate incidents over the sale of halal meat in Shivamogga district, said the Karnataka police.
