The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The National Assembly held the re-deliberation on the Livestock Bill of Bhutan 2025 on 11th June. The Member-in-Charge of the Bill, the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, moved the motion for re-deliberation. The Bill was adopted by the National Assembly on 3 December 2025 and transmitted to the National Council. The National Council adopted the Bill with amendments on 8 June 2026 and transmitted it back to the National Assembly for re-deliberation.
During the deliberations, the House endorsed the National Council’s recommendation on the new subsection after Section 10(2), which provides for the categorization of abattoirs and the issuance of technical clearances only to those that meet the standards prescribed in the Rules and Regulations.
The House also endorsed the National Council’s amendment to delete the new section after Section 34, inserted by the National Assembly. While Members noted that animal welfare was already covered under Section 35, the House agreed that, given the importance of animal welfare, the matter should be reflected clearly in the Rules and Regulations.
The House further endorsed the National Council’s amendment to Section 67, which provides that the Department shall prescribe standards for services provided by veterinary clinics and hospitals. The National Council’s amendment to delete Section 75 was also endorsed as proposed by the National Council.
Similarly, the House endorsed the National Council’s recommendation for a new section after Section 92, which provides that the Department may, in consultation with local governments, identify Village Animal Health Workers to support the delivery of animal health services. The House also endorsed the National Council’s amendment introducing a new section after Section 121, which stipulates that no person shall operate or establish a meat shop except in a place designated or approved by the Regulatory Authority.
