Government Withdraws Draft Livestock Bill Amid Pushback from Animal Rights Groups

The Indian government has decided to withdraw the proposed Livestock and Livestock Product Importation and Exportation Bill 2023 after facing strong criticism from animal welfare activists. The bill aimed to regulate the import and export of animals, including dogs and cats, by treating livestock as a "commodity." The draft bill was intended to replace the outdated Livestock Importation Act of 1898. 

However, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, issued an office memorandum announcing the withdrawal of the bill, citing the need for wider consultation and consideration of the concerns raised by various stakeholders.

Controversial Provisions and Criticism

The draft Livestock Bill faced significant backlash from animal rights groups as soon as it was released for public comments and suggestions. Critics argued that the proposed bill would lead to various forms of cruelty towards animals, opening a "Pandora's Box" of abuses. 

One of the key objections was the inclusion of felines and canines in the definition of livestock, a departure from the existing livestock importation law. Animal welfare organizations argued that the bill would enable the abuse of animals by treating them as mere commodities.

Withdrawal and Reasons Behind It

After considering the objections and concerns raised by stakeholders, the government made the decision to withdraw the draft bill. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying acknowledged that more time and wider consultation were necessary to understand the implications of the proposed provisions. 

They recognized the sensitivity and emotional attachment associated with animal welfare and the need for thorough consideration. Consequently, with the approval of the competent authority, the draft Livestock Bill was officially withdrawn.

Differences between the Existing Law and the Proposed Bill

The proposed draft of the Livestock Bill intended to replace the 125-year-old Livestock Importation Act of 1898 and the Livestock (Amendment) Act of 2001. While the existing law only regulates the import of livestock, the new bill aimed to include provisions for regulating livestock exports as well. 

Moreover, the definition of livestock in the proposed bill was expanded to encompass various animals, including canines and felines. However, the controversial categorization of livestock as a "commodity" drew significant criticism and contributed to the withdrawal of the bill.

Need for an Updated Livestock Law

The existing Livestock Importation Act dates back to 1898, and the government recognized the necessity of aligning it with contemporary requirements and prevailing circumstances related to sanitary and phytosanitary measures. 

The outdated nature of the current law necessitated the formulation of a new bill. In 2001, the government amended the Livestock Importation Act to include livestock products in addition to live animals. The proposed draft sought to further modernize and expand the regulations governing the import and export of livestock.

Animal Welfare Concerns and Global Trade

Animal welfare organizations expressed concerns about the potential abuse of animals through the live export of livestock from India. They highlighted the fact that billions of land animals raised for food globally are exported alive, according to United Nations data. 

The proposed bill was seen as a loophole that could perpetuate such practices, allowing the abuse of animals farmed for food and other purposes. The criticism prompted the government to reconsider the provisions of the draft bill and ultimately led to its withdrawal.

The withdrawal of the proposed Livestock and Livestock Product Importation and Exportation Bill 2023 by the Indian government comes as a response to the concerns raised by animal rights groups and other stakeholders. The bill, intended to replace the outdated Livestock Importation Act of 1898, faced opposition due to its categorization of livestock as a "commodity" and the inclusion of canines and felines in the definition of livestock. The government recognized the need for wider consultation and further consideration of the proposed provisions to address the sensitive issues surrounding animal welfare.