Govt to introduce law for protection of stray cows: Sood

The Delhi Government will soon introduce a comprehensive law for the protection of stray cows, Home Minister Ashish Sood announced in the Delhi Assembly on Friday.

Responding to discussions on Private Member’s Day, Sood emphasised that the Bill will incorporate suggestions from all stakeholders to make it foolproof and enforceable.

Addressing concerns raised by Assembly members, Sood said the proposed legislation aligns with the sentiments of Delhiites who uphold Sanatan values.

“The proposals to bring a Bill for cow protection not only reflect the feelings of the House but also resonate with the emotions of the people of Delhi,” he stated.

The legislation aims to curb the exploitation of cows by mafias and prevent illegal cattle trade. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Public Works Department (PWD) will be involved in enforcing the law. The government is also considering incorporating clauses from the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to strengthen legal provisions.

“We are committed to cow protection. The government has already allocated funds in the Budget for setting up new cow shelters to ensure proper care for stray and rescued cattle. This Bill will provide a strong legal framework to safeguard their welfare,” Sood stated.

The move comes amid growing concerns over the rising number of stray cows in the Capital and incidents of illegal cattle smuggling. With a multiplicity of government agencies working on the issue, the new law is expected to streamline responsibilities and ensure better implementation.

Sood assured that the government would take suggestions from the MCD, PWD and other departments to make the Bill comprehensive.

“This will not be just another law. It will be a strong and well-enforced legislation that addresses all aspects of cow protection, from shelter to legal enforcement,” he said.

This comes days after CM Rekha Gupta’s convoy was blocked by stray cattle during an inspection.