The Maharashtra Keeping and Movement of Cattle in Urban Areas (Control) Act, 1976
The Maharashtra Keeping and Movement of Cattle in Urban Areas (Control) Act, 1976
The Maharashtra Keeping and Movement of Cattle in Urban Areas Control Act 1976 regulates the housing, import, and movement of cattle like cows and buffaloes within designated urban areas. It applies to city residents keeping up to three cattle for family milk and commercial dairymen, both of whom must obtain official licences. Government, research, and charitable shelter animals are exempt. This legislation matters because it protects public health, sanitation, and municipal order in densely populated cities by enforcing strict stable conditions, banning cattle in prohibited zones, and punishing violations with imprisonment, heavy fines, or the complete forfeiture of their animals.
- 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
- 2. Definitions.
- 3. Cattle not to be kept in urban areas without licence.
- 4. Two classes of licences.
- 5. Issue and renewal of licences.
- 6. Power to suspend or cancel licences.
- 7. Prohibition of import of cattle into urban areas.
- 8. Appeals.
- 9. Orders of Licensing Officer and Appellate Authority to be final.
- 10. Prohibited areas for keeping cattle.
- 11. Power to enter and inspect premises.
- 12. Power to take bond to produce cattle before Magistrate.
- 13. Offences and penalties.
- 14. Offences by companies.
- 15. Special provision regarding sentence of fine.
- 16. Power to try offences summarily.
- 17. Protection of action taken in good faith.
- 18. Rules.
- 19. Exemptions.
- 20. Act to have overriding effect, but shall be in addition to existing local authority laws.
- 21. Repeal and savings.
PDF: pending for this language.