KATHMANDU: Authorities in Hetauda are preparing to implement the long-delayed Animal Slaughterhouse and Meat Inspection Act starting Jan. 15.
Although the legal framework was officially gazetted in 2003, it remained unimplemented for over two decades due to infrastructure challenges and a lack of consensus among stakeholders.
During a discussion hosted by the Veterinary Service Office in Makwanpur on Thursday, officials confirmed that preparations are underway to enforce the 1999 act effectively. Dr. Ram Prakash Pradhan, head of the office, stated that once the act comes into force, animal slaughter will be prohibited outside designated facilities. ‘We are preparing to implement the act from Jan. 15,’ Pradhan said. ‘Monitoring from production to sale is essential to ensure consumers receive clean and quality meat.’
Under the new regulations, animals must undergo a mandatory health check before slaughter, and the meat must be inspected again before it is cleared for sale. In areas without a dedicated slaughterhouse, animals must be inspected at locations designated by a meat supervisor before slaughtering can proceed.
Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Mina Kumari Lama stated that the local government would provide the necessary support to organize the meat industry. ‘As this is a matter directly linked to public health, it cannot be treated lightly,’ she said. ‘We will provide the necessary support and facilitation to businesses, but everyone must follow health and hygiene standards.’
Makwanpur Chief District Officer Basanta Adhikari warned that businesses failing to comply with these standards would face legal action. Noting that inspections revealed unsatisfactory hygiene levels in several meat and fish shops, Adhikari emphasized the need for strict enforcement.
‘In matters directly related to public health, simple warnings are not enough; the law must be implemented,’ he said. The local administration plans to coordinate with municipal authorities and business owners to ensure regular monitoring and compliance.
