December 5, 2025
THIMPHU – The National Assembly yesterday adopted the Livestock Bill of Bhutan 2025 after three days of intense debate that exposed deep national unease over meat production, consumption, and commercial slaughter of animals in the country.
The Bill was passed with the support of 25 Members of Parliament (MP), while 19 voted against it and one abstained.
The Bill will now be submitted to the National Council for review.
The third reading of the Bill sparked heated discussions in the House, mainly on provisions related to slaughterhouses, meat processing facilities, consumption patterns, and export potential.
Lawmakers debated 30 newly introduced sections, amendments to 170 existing clauses, the repeal of five sections and the addition of seven new definitions. The original draft, proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) in the previous Parliament, comprised 13 chapters and 205 sections.
According to Tashi Tenzin, Chairperson of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, the Bill aims to modernise and consolidate Bhutan’s livestock governance framework in line with current national priorities and evolving international standards. The MoAL will retain overall responsibility for policy guidance and regulatory directives under the Act.
The Livestock Act of 2001 prohibits slaughter and the sale of meat during specific auspicious periods of the Bhutanese calendar, including the first and fourth lunar months and the 8th, 15th and 30th days of each month.
The new Bill expands these restrictions to include the 10th and 25th days as well.
Official figures presented during the debate highlighted Bhutan’s growing dependence on imported meat.
Imported meat products account for 56.2 percent of total national meat consumption, a reality that lawmakers said raises concerns over food safety, hygiene, and the comparatively high cost of domestic production.
According to the National Health Survey 2023, 88.7 percent of Bhutanese consume meat, while 11.3 percent identify as vegetarian. Of the latter, 6.1 percent consume eggs, leaving 5.2 percent as strict vegetarians.
According to trade statistics, Bhutan exported meat and meat products worth Nu 45.3 million in 2024 and Nu 42.94 million in 2023. In contrast, meat imports stood at Nu 5.808 billion last year and Nu 5.748 billion in 2023, figures that have risen sharply from Nu 567.8 million in 2005.
Speaking at the National Assembly, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Younten Phuntsho sought to allay concerns that the Bill promotes meat consumption.
He said the ministry is not advocating animal slaughter or commercial sale under the Bill, describing the changes instead as responses to demands from citizens and the need to improve service delivery.
“The Bill reflects changes required by present realities,” the minister told the House. “It has incorporated demands expressed by Bhutanese while ensuring that regulatory oversight and standards are strengthened.”
According to the Bill, any individual or entity seeking to establish an abattoir or meat processing facility must register with the regulatory authority and meet standards prescribed in the rules.
The Bill stipulates that commercial slaughter may only take place at approved facilities and will be subject to mandatory inspection and certification.
The Bill also expands enforcement powers, allowing regulatory authorities to inspect, seize, detain or confiscate animals and animal products when necessary. In emergency situations, searches may be conducted without a warrant.
The Bill states that any person or animal welfare organisation intending to establish and operate an animal shelter or engage in Tshethar activity will be required to obtain technical clearance from the Department of Livestock before registering with the dzongkhag or thromde.
Another key component of the Bill concerns pet animals. The Bill requires pet animals to be identified and registered with the nearest animal service centre, with proper vaccinations and care to prevent harm to others.
MPs also discussed targeted support for highland communities, including assistance through the Highland Development Centre and dedicated budgetary allocations to address the distinct challenges faced by pastoral populations.