Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021 (Act No. 25 of 2021).

This Act provides for the preservation of certain cattle by regulating slaughter and transportation of cattle and sale of beef. Under the Act, cattle refers to bulls, bullocks, cows, heifer, calves, male and female buffaloes, and buffalo calves. The Act prohibits the slaughter of: (i) cows of all ages, and (ii) other cattle, unless a fit-for-slaughter certificate is issued. Such certificate will only be issued by the veterinary officer if the cattle (excluding cow, heifer or calf): (i) is over 14 years of age, or (ii) has become permanently incapacitated due to accidental injury or deformity. The Act permits slaughter of cattle only in licensed slaughter houses or other premises as specified in the fit-for-slaughter certificate. The Act restricts transport of cattle into, out of, through and within the state of Assam. However, a competent authority may issue a permit to transport cattle for bona fide agricultural or animal husbandry purposes as may be prescribed.
The Act further provides for: restriction on sale of beef and beef products; offences and penalties; etc.