Livestock and Livestock Products (Importation and Exportation) Bill, 2023

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Context

• THE CENTRE has withdrawn the draft Livestock and Livestock Products (Importation and Exportation) Bill, 2023, which aimed at regulating import and export of animals, including dogs and cats, and proposed to treat livestock as a “commodity”, following criticism from animal welfare activists.

Introduction of the Draft Bill:

• The draft Livestock and Livestock Products (Importation & Exportation) Bill, 2023, was placed before the public for feedback on June 7. It aimed to withdraw the Live-stock Importation Act 1898, which had become outdated and needed a widening of scope.

Objectives:

• The Bill intended to frame measures for the regulation of importation, promotion, and development of exports of livestock and live-stock products. It also aimed to frame sanitary measures for livestock and livestock products susceptible to transboundary and exotic infectious or contagious diseases affecting animals and/or human health.

Broad Provisions:

• Livestock Classification: The Bill classified livestock as a "commodity" subject to regulation. It included equines, bovines, caprines, ovines, swines, canines, felines, avian, laboratory animals, and aquatic animals.
• Empowerment: The Bill empowered the Centre to restrict or prohibit the import of any livestock or related products that could transmit diseases. It also empowered the Centre to promote and develop the export of livestock and livestock products.

Differences with Existing Law:

• Scope of Livestock: The Bill significantly widened the scope of livestock that can be traded, including cats and dogs, which was not allowed under the existing law.
• State Regulation: The Bill clipped the power of states to regulate some areas in the livestock trade ecosystem, transferring these powers to the Union government.

Criticism and Repeal:

• Criticism: The Bill faced criticism for its perceived commodification of animals for export, potential abuse of animals, and negative impacts on animal welfare and biodiversity.
• Repeal: Due to widespread criticism and concerns expressed by various groups, including animal rights activists and Jain outfits, the government decided to withdraw the Bill.

Conclusion:

• The government's decision to withdraw the Bill reflects its sensitivity to the concerns raised regarding animal welfare, religious sentiments, and the potential negative impacts of the Bill on India's livestock biodiversity.