Cow slaughter, smuggling and beef-related illegal activities to face strict action in Punjab: Keemti Bhagat
Punjab to intensify crackdown on cow slaughter and smuggling, says Gau Sewa Commission Vice Chairman
HARISH MONGA
Ferozepur, August 24, 2026: Punjab Gau Sewa Commission Vice Chairman Keemti Bhagat on Monday held a meeting with officials of various departments and representatives of gaushalas operating in Ferozepur district to review measures for the care, protection and safety of cattle.
Chairing the meeting at the District Administrative Complex, Bhagat stressed the need for strict implementation of laws and government directions concerning the protection and welfare of cattle at the grassroots level.
Bhagat said that cow slaughter, cow smuggling and illegal activities involving beef are completely prohibited in Punjab and offenders can face imprisonment of up to 10 years under the Punjab Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Amendment Act, 2011. He also highlighted the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, under which legal action can be taken against those found subjecting cattle and other animals to cruelty.
He said that cattle can be transported from Punjab to another state only on the basis of a permit issued by the Deputy Commissioner.
The Vice Chairman directed police officials to take strict legal action against persons involved in cow slaughter, smuggling and other illegal activities related to cattle. He said that whenever cattle are rescued or intercepted, they should be shifted to the nearest government or private gaushala, while cases should be registered against the accused and information immediately conveyed to the Punjab Gau Sewa Commission for further action.
He also called upon police officials in districts bordering other states to maintain heightened vigilance to prevent cattle smuggling.
Bhagat directed officials to ensure strict compliance with all laws relating to the care, protection and safety of cattle, along with directions issued by the Punjab Government from time to time and guidelines of the courts.
Interacting with the media after the meeting, Bhagat said the Punjab Gau Sewa Commission was continuously working to ensure proper care and protection of cattle. He said officials of various departments and gaushala operators were briefed in detail about the relevant Acts, rules and procedures.
He further directed police officials to ensure that complete information regarding the applicable laws and rules reaches the grassroots level, including every police station and police post.
Bhagat said the Commission had launched a special campaign to shift stray and abandoned cattle to gaushalas and meetings were being held in different districts of the state as part of the initiative. He added that a toll-free number would soon be launched through which people could provide information regarding stray cattle.
The meeting was attended by ADC(Dev.) Krishna Pal Rajput, District President of Aam Aadmi Party Harjinder Ghagan, Deputy Director Animal Husbandry Dr. Lakhwinder Singh Dhanju, Punjab Gau Sewa Commission member Vinod Sohi, Executive Officers of municipal councils and officials and employees of various departments.