The Livestock Bill 2025 aims to strengthen animal welfare and biosecurity
DAWA ZANGMO
Thimphu
he Livestock Bill of Bhutan 2025, introduced in the National Assembly on May 26, seeks to modernize the livestock sector by prioritizing animal welfare, enhancing food safety, and reinforcing Bhutan’s biosecurity framework.
The Bill, a framework introduced to regulate and promote sustainable livestock development among others, also suggests more defined duties for regulatory agencies, as well as an emphasis on biosecurity and traceability in livestock management.
It also covers areas such as animal welfare, breeding, disease control, veterinary services, feed quality, and livestock-related trade. The legislation is intended to align with both national and international standards on animal health and productivity.
Proposed by Agriculture and Livestock Minister Younten Phuntsho, the bill has been forwarded to the Environment and Climate Change Committee for detailed review. The committee is expected to present its report during the third reading in the upcoming winter session.
The legislation is seen as essential for long-term reforms that address current and future challenges in the sector. The proposed legislation consolidates numerous fragmented guidelines and regulations into a single, coherent legal structure.
The agriculture minister further stated that the bill addresses prevailing issues in the livestock industry while providing a long-term strategic vision aligned with the country’s broader development goals.
Despite the existence of various guidelines and mandates, he highlighted their fragmented nature and lack of effective coordination. He also stressed the need for a unified framework that clearly defines the roles, powers, and responsibilities of the ministry and its associated agencies.
“There are clear directives but no defined scope for collaboration,” he said.
The bill emphasizes the adoption of scientifically validated methods and ethical standards in livestock breeding, feeding, and handling. These measures aim to enhance productivity while ensuring that animal welfare remains a central priority.
If passed, the new legislation will replace the Livestock Act of 2001 and nullify any conflicting regulations. Certificates and permits issued under the previous act will remain valid until they expire or are amended under the new law.
In addition, the legislation defines the mandates and operational boundaries of various stakeholders, including government agencies, private operators, and local authorities. This clarity is intended to improve institutional coordination and accountability throughout the sector.
The bill also provides a legal foundation for private investment in areas such as breeding, research, and commercial livestock production. By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, it seeks to stimulate sustainable economic growth in rural communities.
The draft bill is composed of 13 chapters and addresses key objectives, including improving animal welfare, increasing productivity, and enhancing disease control. It also supports the commercial utilization of livestock based on expert recommendations from relevant departments.
To ensure a smooth transition, the bill includes provisions allowing entities operating under the Livestock Act of 2001 to continue under existing licenses until their expiration or until they are updated in accordance with the new law.
Chapter three, a key section of the bill, focuses on animal welfare, management, and protection. It outlines provisions to protect animal health and welfare, bans cruel practices, and regulates industries that utilize animals, such as tourism and entertainment.
It further mandates adherence to both national and international animal welfare laws. The legislation seeks to harmonize Bhutan’s livestock standards with those of regional and international partners. This alignment will facilitate safer and more efficient cross-border trade in livestock and livestock products.
The legislation seeks to harmonize livestock standards with those of regional and international partners. This alignment is geared to facilitate safer and more efficient cross-border trade in livestock and livestock products.
Recognizing the environmental impacts of livestock farming, the bill promotes climate-smart practices and supports Bhutan’s broader goals related to sustainability and carbon neutrality.
To support enforcement and promote responsible animal ownership, the bill mandates nationwide public education initiatives focused on animal welfare, legal obligations, and community involvement.
The bill also establishes a legal foundation for the creation of privately owned farms that will contribute to national development. These farms will be allowed to operate in areas such as breeding, research, input production, and other commercial ventures.
The bill mandates registration and regulation of animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and pet shops. Non-compliance may lead to legal action, including fines and closure, ensuring that these establishments meet minimum standards of care.
To bolster disease prevention and control, the legislation introduces a comprehensive preparedness framework that includes emergency response plans, contingency measures, and risk assessments.
Further, the bill enforces strict penalties for non-compliance. Unauthorized activities, including the operation of unregistered animal shelters and pet shops or feeding stray animals in public spaces, will be considered legal violations.
A specific clause ‘prohibits feeding stray animals along roadsides, highways, and public areas. This measure is intended to reduce the spread of zoonotic diseases, manage stray populations, and minimize traffic hazards.
A key clause in the bill states: “Feeding stray animals in public places, highways, or roadsides constitutes an offense under this Act and will result in fines as outlined in the Rules.”
Under this provision, individuals who feed stray animals—such as dogs, cats, or other unattended creatures—on public roads, highways, or open public spaces may now be subject to penalties. The act aims to address growing concerns over public safety, hygiene, and traffic disruptions often linked to stray animal feeding.
This clause essentially criminalizes the act of feeding strays in certain locations. While it does not ban feeding altogether, it restricts the practice to prevent potential hazards. Violators may be fined, with specific amounts and enforcement mechanisms to be detailed in the accompanying Rules section of the legislation.
