The West Bengal government has introduced new guidelines regulating animal slaughter, including mandatory fit certificates
May 14, 2026: West Bengal government has notified a fresh set of guidelines regulating animal slaughter in the state, making a “fit certificate” mandatory before any animal can be slaughtered. The new rules were issued under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950 and also follow directions issued earlier by the Calcutta High Court in 2018 and 2022.
According to the notification, no bulls, bullocks, cows, calves, buffaloes or buffalo calves can be slaughtered without a certificate jointly issued by the local municipal authority or panchayat representative along with a government veterinary surgeon. Authorities will assess the animal’s age and physical condition before granting approval. The rules specify that only animals above 14 years of age or those permanently incapacitated due to injury, deformity or incurable disease will qualify for slaughter.
The government has also strictly prohibited animal slaughter in public or open spaces, stating that slaughter can only take place at municipal or officially designated slaughterhouses. Violations of the rules may attract imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to ₹1,000, or both. Officials said the move aims to ensure stricter enforcement of existing legal provisions across the state.