The Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra has banned residents from keeping goats and carrying out sacrificial slaughter inside housing societies, homes, shops and on public roads.

The ruling BJP took the decision through a resolution, which also bans feeding stray animals on roads, on Tuesday, citing recurring disputes between residents during religious events. The area under the civic body sits on Mumbai’s outskirts.

Nearly four months ago, communal tensions flared at a Mira Road housing complex when 40 to 50 goats had been brought for sacrificial slaughter. The incident led to protests by Hindutva activists, prompting civic authorities to dismantle the temporary structure set up for the animals.

In addition to the restrictions, the resolution mandates that all meat-selling businesses obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the corporation. Selling meat without an NOC or in open spaces carries a ₹25,000 fine.

Vendors have been prohibited from displaying meat or animal parts that are visible from roads and must install frosted or tinted glass. A first violation triggers a ₹25,000 fine, while repeated offences could lead to permanent licence cancellation and criminal charges.

The policy also prohibits feeding stray animals on roads, public junctions, schools, hospitals, and playgrounds and restricts the activity exclusively to designated civic zones.

Published - August 21, 2026 12:03 pm IST