TN cow trade body moves SC against Centre's cattle sale order

A Tamil Nadu-based cow trade organization going by the name of Maattu Vyapaarigal Matrum Tholilalargal Sangam moved the Supreme Court on Monday against the Centre's new cattle trade rules.

The organization has filed a petition in the apex court challenging the new cattle trade rules.

On May 25, the Centre, through an order, imposed a ban on the sale of cattle, including cows for slaughter and restricted cattle trade solely to farm owners.

Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Harsh Vardhan had ordered that the ministry has notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 to ensure that the sale of cattle is not meant for slaughter purposes.

Regulating animal trade is a state business, but animal welfare is a central subject, thereby providing the window for the ministry to notify the rule.

In lieu of this, there was widespread opposition of the order, with many states openly denying accepting the notification.

-ANI