The Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, 1976
The Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, 1976
The Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act regulates the handling of cows, bulls, and bullocks throughout the entire state. It fully prohibits the slaughter of these animals regardless of age or gender to align with state policy for agricultural preservation. The law also enforces bans on transporting, exporting, or purchasing these animals for slaughter, as well as forbidding the possession of meat derived from illegally killed animals. Additionally, specific restrictions apply to "scheduled animals," where slaughter requires a fitness certificate issued by the government. This framework ensures strict control over livestock to uphold cultural and constitutional values.
- 1. Short title, extent, commencement and application.
- 2. Declaration of State Policy.
- 3. Definitions.
- 4. Appointment of competent authorities.
- 5. Prohibition of slaughter of cows, bulls or bullocks.
- 5A. Prohibition on transport and export of cow, bull or bullock for slaughter.
- 5B. Prohibition on sale, purchase, disposal in any other manner of cow, bull or bullock.
- 5C. Prohibition on possession of flesh of cow, bull or bullock.
- 5D. Prohibition on possession of flesh of cow, bull or bullock slaughtered outside the State of Maharashtra.
- 6. Restrictions on slaughter of scheduled animals.
- 7. Scheduled animals to be slaughtered at specified places only.
- 8. Power of entry, search, seizure and custody.
- 9. Penalty for contravention of sections 5, 5A or 5B.
- 9A. Penalty for contravention of sections 5C, 5D or 6.
- 9B. Burden of proof on accused.
- 10. Offences under Act to be cognizable and non-bailable.
- 11. Abetments and attempts.
- 12. Persons exercising powers under this Act deemed to be public servants.
- 13. Protection of persons acting in good faith under Act or rules.
- 14. Exemptions under this Act.
- 15. Delegation of powers.
- 16. Power to make rules.
- 17. Repeal and savings.
PDF: pending for this language.