Supreme Court Directs Mayor Not to Assault Cattle

19 Jestha, Kathmandu – The Supreme Court’s Implementation Directorate has instructed the Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City to refrain from unlawfully and brutally beating street cattle. The directorate sent a letter to the sub-metropolitan office on 18 Asar 2083 (July 2, 2026) issuing this directive. The letter highlights incidents in which municipal employees and police, under the mayor’s direction, assaulted street cattle, actions that violate the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling dated 8 Baishakh 2076 (April 21, 2019).

Sneha Shrestha, chair of Sneha Care, recently filed a complaint regarding the incidents that occurred in Butwal and submitted a petition to the Implementation Directorate. The petition accused the mayor of willfully orchestrating the beating of cattle.

The Supreme Court’s verdict of 8 Baishakh 2076 mandates the protection of cows as the national animal, requires proper management of stray cattle, and calls for legal action against officials and employees involved in acts of cruelty or killing. The ruling stipulates that any harm to cattle resulting from the negligence, ill intent, or carelessness of the responsible persons can lead to prosecution under the law. To ensure enforcement of this order, the directorate has instructed Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City to halt such activities immediately and fully comply with the court’s judgment. Copies of the letter were also sent to the municipal police.

The Constitution of Nepal recognizes the cow as the national animal. Furthermore, the Supreme Court has directed local governments to implement measures such as animal management, establishing protection centers, providing animal insurance, and adopting scientific grazing practices.