The Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment has asked local governments to review the draft bill and submit opinions and suggestions to lfdd@moald.gov.np within seven days. The draft aims to create a consolidated legal framework for regulating animal services, livestock and animal products, strengthening food safety and hygiene, controlling import and export, protecting animal genetic resources and promoting animal welfare. The federal administration ministry circulated the draft to all local levels on 2083/04/15.
The bill proposes stronger quality-control and quarantine powers. Authorities would be able to conduct random inspections, collect and test samples, stop the sale of substandard or adulterated animal products, confiscate or destroy unsafe products and issue corrective orders. It also provides for quarantine offices, checkpoints and facilities, requires quarantine or health certification for relevant animal movements and imports, and allows restrictions where infectious animal diseases pose a risk. Businesses dealing in animal products and veterinary-related industries would generally require recommendations and operating permits, with provisions for renewal, suspension or cancellation.
A major section deals with animal breeding and welfare. The draft provides for registration and regulation of animal breeds, artificial insemination services and conservation of indigenous genetic resources. It prohibits cruel or inhumane treatment, including failing to provide food and water, overworking animals, forcing sick animals to work and abandoning animals in homes, forests, roads or public places. Local governments would be responsible for managing stray, injured, sick and community animals and could establish or support animal shelters, gaushalas, conservation centres and kanji houses, including through partnerships with non-profit organizations. Veterinarians could recommend humane euthanasia in specified cases involving untreatable suffering or serious health risks.
The draft also establishes offences and penalties for violations involving quality standards, quarantine rules, unauthorized livestock businesses, animal welfare and related requirements. Depending on the offence, fines can reach Rs 500,000 and imprisonment can extend to two years, while repeat offenders may face double punishment. The bill further provides for investigations, appeals, rule-making and traceability systems, and would repeal the Animal Health and Livestock Services Act, 2055, while preserving actions already taken under the existing law.
