Guwahati, March 21, 2025: The Assam government introduced the ‘Assam Cattle Preservation (Amendment) Bill, 2025’ in the Assembly on Thursday, marking a significant shift in the state’s cattle transportation regulations. The amendment, presented by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, aims to simplify the process of transporting cattle for legitimate purposes.
Previously, only registered agencies and farms were permitted to transport cattle under the ‘Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021.’ The new amendment, however, extends this permission to individuals for bona fide agricultural, animal husbandry, or trade activities.
The move comes in response to a Gauhati High Court ruling on December 3, 2024, in case no. WP(C)/2495/2022, which upheld the right of individuals to seek permission for cattle transportation for these purposes. The amendment aligns the Act with the court’s decision, ensuring smoother compliance and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
The original Act, passed in August 2021, was designed to regulate the slaughter, consumption, and transportation of cattle in Assam. The latest amendment is expected to boost the state’s agricultural and animal husbandry sectors while maintaining strict oversight to prevent illegal activities.
With this change, the Assam government aims to strike a balance between preserving cattle and supporting the livelihoods of farmers and traders. The Bill is now under consideration in the Assembly, with further discussions expected in the coming days.
