December 3, 2025
THIMPHU – The third reading of the Livestock Bill of Bhutan 2025 at the National Assembly yesterday ignited a heated debate over meat production and consumption vis-à-vis the country’s Buddhist ethos of protecting the welfare of all sentient beings, including animals.
The Bill, which aims to align the country’s livestock governance framework with national priorities and international standards, marks the first comprehensive legislative overhaul of the sector in more than two decades.
The last major debate on livestock legislation took place in August 2001, ahead of the enactment of the Livestock Act of 2001, which replaced the 1981 law.
According to the 2001 Act, animal slaughter and the sale of meat were prohibited during certain auspicious days and months of the Bhutanese calendar.
According to a Kuensel report published in August 2001, the ban covered the entire first and fourth lunar months as well as the 8th, 15th and 30th days of each month. Violations carried penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment of up to one year, along with confiscation of livestock or related goods.
At the time, then agriculture minister, Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji, said the ministry would establish clear standards to regulate livestock slaughter, including the identification and classification of animals eligible for slaughter, categorisation of slaughter facilities, and a licensing system restricted to operators meeting minimum regulatory requirements.
The Act also introduced strict penalties for noncompliance. Anyone found violating minimum standards of animal care or contravening provisions of the law was liable to fines or imprisonment ranging from six months to one year, along with confiscation of livestock or related goods in their possession. The two previous livestock legislation strengthened disease prevention and control measures, including safeguards against zoonotic diseases, mandatory meat inspections, health certifications and regular checkups for meat handlers. The law also required the establishment of facilities for the safe storage of disease-free semen and embryos, and the proper disposal of defective or contaminated livestock products.
Presenting the Environment and Climate Change Committee’s review report during the third reading, committee chairperson Tashi Tenzin said the new Bill aims to update and consolidate the legal framework governing Bhutan’s livestock sector.
“The bill seeks to modernise livestock governance by strengthening animal health and welfare systems, improving regulatory clarity, and aligning the sector with national priorities and international standards,” he said.
The proposed legislation contains 13 chapters and 205 sections. Following its review, the Committee proposed the addition of 30 new sections, amendments to 170 sections, repeal of five sections and the inclusion of seven new definitions.
“The new Bill is timely with inclusion of responsibilities of the relevant organisations, meeting the needs of the increased farms, and to check if the mandates align with the constitution of the country,” MP Tashi Tenzin said.
The Committee highlighted that extensive consultations were carried out in 10 livestock-rearing dzongkhags and with relevant agencies to ensure alignment with public health priorities, livelihood security, and sustainable livestock development goals. It also emphasised the need to formally recognise private veterinary services alongside government provision, and to strengthen the role of civil society groups and animal welfare organisations, known locally as Tshethar Tshogpas.
During the deliberations, the House considered the Committee’s broad recommendations and endorsed the proposed refinements to the Bill. The House also noted that institutional responsibilities and alignment of certain provisions required adjustment to avoid overlaps or inconsistencies.
The members also raised concerns about discrepancies between the Dzongkha and English versions of the Bill, directing the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to make necessary corrections and structural improvements.
The debate sharpened over Bhutan’s meat consumption patterns. According to official data, imported meat accounts for 56.2 percent of total meat consumption, raising questions about food safety, hygiene standards and the high cost of domestically produced meat.
Several members questioned whether expanding meat production aligns with Bhutan’s identity as a Buddhist nation that traditionally prioritises compassion and animal saving over slaughter.
Home Minister Tshering said that meat consumption is deeply embedded in social and institutional settings, pointing out that meat is commonly features in meetings and public gatherings. “To ensure a reduction in meat production, the consumption has to decline in the first place,” Lyonpo said.
Education and Skills Development Minister Yeezang De Thapa cautioned that restricting domestic meat production could undermine government commitments to student nutrition. Lyonpo said the ministry relies heavily on meat to provide balanced and healthy meals in schools, where significant public resources are allocated annually.
Members also highlighted the price disparity between local and imported meat, while questioning whether imported products meet Bhutan’s hygiene and quality standards.
The House completed deliberations on Section 11 of the Bill yesterday. Deliberations on the remaining provisions were continued today following the Question Hour session.
According to the records over the years, Bhutan exported worth Nu 45.3 million of meat and meat products in 2024. In 2023, the country exported worth Nu 42.94 million. Meanwhile, the country in 2005 exported worth Nu 225.8 million.
In the same period, the country imported meat items worth Nu 5,808 million last year; Nu 5,748 million in 2023. In 2005, the country imported meat and meat items worth Nu 567.8 million.