Meat ban is in force: BAFRA

Thimphu, May 21, 2009: Within few months the government announced to lift ban on sales of meat during holy Buddhist months, Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) said the ban would continue. 

A notice issued by BAFRA on Thursday said, “This is to bring to the notice of the general public that slaughter of animals, import and sale of meat is prohibited from May 24, 2009 to June 22, 2009 coinciding with the fourth month of the Bhutanese calendar in accordance with the section 16.5 of the Chapter VII-Fresh Meat Hygiene and Inspection of the Livestock Act of Bhutan 2001.”

According to the notice, Regulatory and Quarantine Inspectors of BAFRA in uniform with identification will be placed at various entry points, check posts, towns and other appropriate location throughout the country for monitoring of the ‘illegal activities’.

BAFRA warned that defaulters will be dealt as per the penalties prescribed under the chapter VII of the Livestock Rules and Regulation of Bhutan 2008.

The issue of lifting ban was discussed extensively and approved by the National Assembly while the National Council stood against it. The Monk Body also opposed the decision.