Under the Yogi Government, UP has the strictest cow protection law in the country

Lucknow, May 17 -- The legal and administrative framework established by the government of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding cow protection and cattle welfare in Uttar Pradesh is considered among the strictest in the country. The Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, implemented on June 11, 2020, is seen not merely as a law but as evidence of the Yogi government's clear political and ideological commitment toward cow protection.

There was a time in the state when serious concerns were repeatedly raised regarding cattle smuggling, illegal slaughter, and the poor condition of cows. Large smuggling networks were active from border districts to western Uttar Pradesh. However, after the Yogi Adityanath government came to power in 2017, cow protection was treated not merely as an emotional issue but as a governance priority. This is why the government made the law so stringent that it has become difficult for those involved in cow slaughter and cattle smuggling to evade punishment.

What Does the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter (Amendment) Act, 2020 Say?

Up to 10 Years' Imprisonment and Fine up to Rs.5 Lakh

The Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act was originally implemented in Uttar Pradesh in 1955. However, due to weak enforcement and administrative indifference, it failed to effectively curb cow slaughter and cattle smuggling. After assuming office in 2017, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath amended the Act and introduced a stronger version in 2020. Under the amended law, punishment for offences related to cow slaughter was made extremely strict. Any person found guilty of cow slaughter or attempting it can face rigorous imprisonment ranging from 3 to 10 years along with a fine between Rs.3 lakh and Rs.5 lakh. Moreover, if a person is caught committing the same offence again, the punishment can be doubled.

Keeping Cattle Hungry Also Considered a Crime

For the first time, the Yogi government categorized cruelty towards cattle as a serious offence. If a person fails to provide food or water to cows, injures them, or abandons them in conditions that endanger their lives, they can face imprisonment from 1 to 7 years and a fine ranging from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.3 lakh. This reflects that the government has not limited itself to preventing cow slaughter alone but has also extended legal protection to the care and welfare of cattle.

Confiscation of Vehicles and Public Display of Photos of Absconding Accused

The law provides for confiscation of vehicles used in the illegal transportation of cattle. If the vehicle owner fails to prove that the offence took place without their knowledge, action can also be taken against them. Additionally, photographs of absconding accused persons can be displayed publicly. The offences have been made non-bailable to ensure that the accused cannot secure easy release.

36,000 Arrested and Properties Worth Rs.83.32 Crore Seized in the Last 9 Years

The Yogi government did not stop at merely framing laws against cattle smuggling and cow slaughter but also undertook large-scale action on the ground. Between 2017 and 2025, nearly 36,000 accused involved in cases related to cow slaughter and cattle smuggling were arrested in the state. Action under the Goonda Act was taken against 13,793 accused, while the Gangster Act was imposed in 14,305 cases. In addition, 178 accused were booked under the National Security Act (NSA). Following a strategy of targeting the economic network behind such crimes, the government also confiscated properties worth more than Rs.83.32 crore. The Yogi government presents these figures as proof that Uttar Pradesh's "zero tolerance" policy against cow slaughter and cattle smuggling is not limited to speeches but is visible through strict administrative action on the ground.

Uttar Pradesh's Large-Scale Cow Protection Model

Yogi Adityanath's personal background is also reflected in the state's cow protection policy. Being associated with the Goraksha Peeth, he has viewed the cow not merely as a religious symbol but as a central part of the rural economy and Indian way of life. This is why the government developed not only strict laws but also administrative and economic models for cattle protection.

According to the 20th Livestock Census, Uttar Pradesh currently has around 18.8 million cattle. The government is protecting nearly 1.3 million cattle through approximately 7,500 cow protection centres across the state. Under the Mukhyamantri Sahbhagita Yojana, more than 1.25 lakh livestock farmers have so far been provided with over 1.80 lakh cattle. The government is directly transferring Rs.1,500 per cattle per month into the bank accounts of livestock owners through DBT.

Milk production has also recorded significant growth. While production stood at 27.7 million metric tonnes in 2016-17, it has increased to over 38.8 million metric tonnes in 2024-25.

The Yogi government is now working to connect cow shelters with gobar (cow dung) and cow urine-based natural farming models to strengthen the rural economy. Strategies are being developed to increase farmers' income and reduce farming costs through organic manure, natural pesticides, and cow-based products.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.