NEW DELHI — The Delhi government has established Rapid Response Teams in all 13 administrative districts of the capital to ensure compliance with regulations governing animal sacrifice as the city prepares for Bakrid celebrations, according to reports.
The specialised units have been tasked with preventing illegal animal slaughter, monitoring unauthorised livestock trading operations, and enforcing official guidelines issued for the festival observance. The move comes as part of annual preparations to balance religious practices with municipal regulations and animal welfare norms during the Islamic festival.
Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command. Muslims worldwide observe the occasion by performing ritual animal sacrifice, typically of goats, sheep, or cattle, with the meat distributed among family, friends, and the poor. In India, the practice is regulated under various animal welfare laws and municipal guidelines that specify designated locations and procedures for permissible sacrifice.
Delhi, with a significant Muslim population, typically witnesses heightened livestock trade and religious activities during this period. Authorities have historically deployed enforcement mechanisms to prevent violations, including illegal slaughterhouses, cruelty to animals during transport, and unsanitary conditions at sacrifice sites.