The Economic Affairs Committee conducted a series of stakeholder consultation meetings on May 4th as part of its review of the proposed Livestock Bill of Bhutan 2025.

The consultation began in the morning with the Department of Trade, which presented on the existing regulatory framework, The discussions focused on current procedures, inter-agency coordination, and the need to strengthen regulatory clarity under the proposed legislation.

In the afternoon, the Committee met with the Royal Society for the Protection and Care for Animals (RSPCA), which provided a critical assessment of the draft Bill. The organization highlighted issues and challenges. It emphasized the need to address the gaps within the Act itself to ensure effective implementation and enforcement.

Following the RSPCA consultation, meetings were held with the Jangsa Animal Saving Trust and the Karzay Foundation. Discussions with Jangsa Animal Saving Trust centered largely on animal welfare issues. The Karzay Foundation also shared its views, emphasizing the importance of strengthening implementation mechanisms and ensuring that animal welfare considerations are adequately reflected in the Bill.

The consultations are part of the Committee’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the Livestock Bill of Bhutan 2025 is comprehensive, practical, and aligned with national priorities.