The Live-Stock Importation Act

An Act to make better provision for the regulation of the importation of live-stock.

[12th August, 1898.]

WHEREAS it is expedient to make better provision for the regulation of the importation of live-stock which is liable to be affected by infectious or contagious disorders ; It is hereby enacted as follows :—
1.Short title and local extent:- (1) This Act may be called the Live-stock importation Act, 1898,

{Subs.by Act 40 of 1953, s.2.}[(2) It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir.]

{The word ”and” and sub-section (3) rep.by Act 10 of 1914})

2.Definitions:- In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context.—

(a) the expression “in fectious or contagious disorders” includes tick-pest , anthrax, glanders, farcy, scabies and any other disease or disorder which may be specified by the Central Government by notification in the Offical Gazette; and

(b) ”live-stock” includes horeses, kine, camels, sheep and any other animal which may be specified by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette;

{(Ins.by Act 40 of 1950, s.3.} [ (c) ”import” means the bringing or taking, by sea, land or air, into the territories to which this Act extends.]

3.Power to regulate importation of live-stock:- (1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, regulate, restrict or prohibit, in such manner and to such extent as it may think fit, {Subs.by Act 40 of 1953, s.4, for ” the bringing or taking, by sea or land”}) [the import] into {Subs.by Act 48 of 1952, s.3 and Sch.II, for “the territories for the time being comprised within Part A States and Part C States ”.} [the territories to which this Act extends] or any specified place therein, of any live-stock which may be liable to be affected by infectious or contagious disorders, and of any fodder, dung, stable-litter, clothing, harness or fittings appertaining to live-stock or that may have been in contact therewith.

(2) A notification under sub-section (1) shall operate as if it had been issued under section 19 of the Sea Customs Act, 1878, and the officers of customs at every port shall have the same powers in respectof any live-stock or thing, with regard to the importation of which such a notification has been issued, and the vessel containing the same, as they have for the time being in respect of anty article the importation of which is regulated, restricted or prohibited by the law relating to sea customs and the vessel containing the same; and the enactments for the time being in force relating to sea customs or any such article or vessel shall apply accordingly.

4.Power for State Government to make rules:- (1) The State Government may, {The words “subject to the control of the Governor-General in Council” were omitted by the A.O.1937.} make rules for the detention, inspection, disinfection or destruction of imported livestock, and of fodder, dung, stable-litter, clothing, harness or fittings appertaining to imported live-stock or that may have been in contact therewith, and for regulating th powers and duties of the officers whom it may appoint in this behalf.

(2) In making any rule under this section the State Government may direct that a breach thereof shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.

5.Protection to persons acting under Act:- No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against any person for anything in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act.