A Bill seeking a seven-year jail term for cow slaughter or even transporting the animal for that purpose was passed unopposed in the Gujarat Assembly on Tuesday, with the Opposition Congress extending support to it.
As per the provisions of the Gujarat Animal Preservation Act (GAPA) 1954, which prohibits cow slaughter, there is no provision to prevent transportation of the animal for slaughter.
The Amendment Bill, 2011 was tabled in the Assembly by Agriculture Minister Dileep Sanghani.
“To strengthen enforcement and implementation of the Act, stringent punishment for violation of the provisions has been proposed in the Bill,” Mr. Sanghani said.
“The six-month jail term has been extended to seven years on conviction and the fine has been increased to Rs. 50,000 from Rs. 1,000.”
