The Assam government asked the Superintendent of Police and Deputy Commissioner to enforce the Animal Welfare Board of India Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This includes stopping illegal killings or sacrifices of cattle, calves and other animals, as well as taking legal action against those who violate transport rules.
Last year, Assam passed legislation that stipulated only certain places can be sold beef. This also restricted any sale to non-beef-eating areas. The law prohibits the killing of cows or their calves. If a cow is older than 14 years, it can be killed.
No person may directly offer, sell, or make available for sale beef products except in places that are permitted by the competent authorities. This law provides that permission will not be granted for any areas or communities which are dominated by Hindu, Jain Sikh and other nonbeef-eating communities. It also states that the area must be within 5 km radius from any temple, Satra or any other religious institution belonging to the Hindu religion.
The law also states that Assam cattle may only be killed after permission has been granted by authorities. After obtaining fitness certificates from the government, the accused cannot get bail until they have had the opportunity to hear the petition. The new law allows for a person to be sentenced to up to eight years in prison and can also lead to a fine of up to Rs 55,000.