The proposal to allow meat processing facility in the country sparked intense debate in the National Assembly today as MPs clashed over religious values, public health concerns, and the economic need to curb soaring meat imports. Some members opposed the idea on moral grounds, while others argued that regulated meat processing facilities could improve food safety, reduce dependency on imports, and boost incomes for livestock farmers.
During the third reading of the Livestock Bill of Bhutan, 2025 today, Thrimshing–Kangpara MP Damche Tenzin said the current Bill retains most provisions of the 2001 Livestock Act, including the issue of slaughtering animals.
“In the past it was referred to as ‘slaughter’ and now it is ‘abattoir’ but it means the same thing. We are a religious country and we have set an example with the recent Global Peace Prayer Festival. Hence, what is the main motive? We need to make it clear.”
Most argued that Bhutan being a religious country, the right way would be not to slaughter animals. Some argued that the focus should be on regulations and to solve the existing issues.
Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk said, “I would recommend not to say that we cannot establish a slaughterhouse but to come together and support the idea of not consuming meat. For instance, there is no alcohol in the Middle East. No matter how religious we are, there will be slaughtering since we have consumers. Instead, we need regulations to reduce consumption.”
Responding to the concerns, the Environment and Climate Change Committee clarified that the provision is not a new addition but a summarised version of what already existed in earlier legislation.
Tashi Tenzin, the Chairperson of Environment and Climate Change Committee said, “It is important to understand that it is not a new motion. While discussing among ourselves also, the opinions varied and we were not able to come to a conclusion. Hence, we suggest the National Assembly make the ultimate decision.”
The finance minister was in favour, saying it would improve the country’s financial situation and called on the House to support it without politicising the Bill. Likewise, some members, pushed for a more pragmatic approach, saying the proposal should be viewed from an economic lens rather than a religious one.
Sonam Tashi, MP, Lamgong_Wangchang, Paro said, “Most Bhutanese consume meat and if we go by data, around 88.9 per cent of people consume and around 11.1 per cent don’t. Hence, we do not have the right to ask people not to consume it. Everyone is aware that we are a religious country. The Bill does not advocate establishing slaughterhouses but allows opportunities for livelihood under proper requirements.”
Education and Skills Development Minister Yeezang De Thapa said, “While we spend around 2 billion ngultrum on food for students, we cannot be sure about the quality of meat. We want hygienic, healthy unadulterated quality and we cannot be sure of that when we import meat. We need to provide healthy food for students’ wellbeing. Even doctors advise to consume both plant and animal based protein. Hence, we support it.”
Agriculture and Livestock Minister Younten Phuntsho said, “From the ministry’s side, we would support it as we discussed it earlier while we also need to address people’s concerns as raised when the committee went to ten districts. However, the ministry does not see much issue in the existing sections.”
The deliberations on the Bill will continue tomorrow.