Government Proposes New Animal Service and Welfare Bill, 2083
Summary
The government has published a draft bill to modernize Nepal’s livestock sector, tighten animal welfare rules, and strengthen regulation of animal products, quarantine, and veterinary services. The proposed law introduces heavy penalties, a national traceability system, and new permit and inspection provisions for animal industries.
Key Points
- The Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment has released the draft Animal Service and Animal Welfare Bill, 2083 to replace the existing 2055 law.
- The bill criminalizes cruel treatment of animals, sets penalties of up to Rs 500,000 and two years in jail for serious violations, and introduces euthanasia provisions.
- It bans harmful hormones and chemicals in animal feed and gives officials authority to recall, seize, seal, or destroy unsafe animal products.
- The draft also strengthens quarantine controls, regulates animal industries through permits, and introduces a legal animal identification and traceability system.
