Camel Rescued from Illegal Sacrifice Ahead of Eid in Budaun Following Joint Action by PETA India and People for Animals Public Policy Foundation

When information emerged that a camel was allegedly being offered for sale for sacrifice ahead of Eid, Surbhi Tripathi of People for Animals Public Policy Foundation (PFA PPF) immediately alerted PETA India and the Budaun police and district administration. Through the swift and coordinated efforts of PETA India, Ms Tripathi, Budaun Police and district administration, the camel was successfully rescued before the sacrifice could take place, following the directions of District Magistrate Shri Avanish Rai, IAS. The animal has since been transferred to a reputable sanctuary, where the camel will receive lifelong rehabilitation, care, and a haven. We commend the Budaun district administration and police, particularly Shri Avanish Rai, IAS, District Magistrate, for taking steps to send a message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.

The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, state that only sheep, pigs, cattle, goats, poultry, fish, and rabbits are permitted to be killed for meat (not camels). In addition, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001, and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, the slaughter of animals for food is permissible only in registered or licensed slaughterhouses equipped with species-specific stunning methods for rendering animals unconscious before killing them.