The Government of Maharashtra, on May 21, 2026, issued the Guidelines to Prevent Illegal Transport of Cattle, Illegal Slaughter, and Unauthorized Slaughterhouses, and for Effective Implementation of Related Laws.
The following has been stated:-
•In alignment with Article 48 of the Indian Constitution to protect cattle, the Government of Maharashtra's Home Department has issued comprehensive guidelines to curb illegal cattle transport, illegal slaughter, and unauthorized slaughterhouses.
•Local bodies, police departments, and regional offices are directed to strictly enforce existing animal protection laws and shut down unlicensed slaughter operations within their jurisdictions.
•To combat repeated, organized cattle smuggling, the police are instructed to conduct investigations and take decisive action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
•Furthermore, the Transport Department is mandated to regularly inspect vehicles, while police, animal husbandry, and transport commissionerates must appoint dedicated nodal officers.
•Joint inspection checkpoints will be established at state borders by district collectors, and joint flying squads will be deployed to instantly intercept illegal activities.
•Finally, a dedicated helpline via 'Dial 112' has been activated for immediate public complaints, with strict implementation oversight assigned to District Collectors and Police Commissioners.
The detailed notification is given in the document below.
[Notification No.: MIS-0526/C.R. 56/Pol-1B]
