Introduction to Raising of Other Animals in Nepal
The raising of other animals in Nepal refers to commercial farming and husbandry activities involving animals not traditionally classified under mainstream livestock categories such as cattle, buffalo, goats, sheep, or poultry. This sector includes the commercial raising of rabbits, ducks, quails, bees, pigs, horses, yaks, fish seed, silkworms, laboratory animals, exotic birds, and other non-conventional animals for breeding, food production, fiber, research, or commercial sale. Raising of Other Animals in Nepal: Registration and Legal Requirements.
The Government of Nepal regulates these activities due to their impact on animal health, biodiversity protection, food safety, public health, and environmental balance. Any individual or entity engaged in the commercial raising of other animals must complete formal registration and obtain approvals as required under prevailing Nepalese laws. Medha Law and Partners advises agricultural enterprises on compliance, licensing, and regulatory approvals related to animal-raising businesses in Nepal. Medha Law and Partners is a leading law firm in Nepal.
Legal Meaning of “Raising of Other Animals”
Nepalese law does not rely on a single statutory definition for “raising of other animals.” Instead, the term is interpreted through sector-specific legislation. Under the Industrial Enterprises Act, 2020 (2076), animal raising activities fall within the agricultural and livestock industry classification. The Livestock Health and Livestock Services Act, 1999 (2055) governs breeding, health, and disease control for all domesticated and commercially raised animals, including non-traditional species.
The National Livestock Policy, Food Act, 1966 (2023), and Environment Protection Act, 2019 (2076) further regulate commercial animal husbandry activities. Any organized, profit-oriented animal raising operation is legally considered a commercial enterprise and must comply with applicable registration and licensing requirements.
Regulatory Authorities Governing Raising of Other Animals
Multiple government authorities regulate the raising of other animals in Nepal. Regulatory oversight ensures disease control, environmental safety, ethical animal treatment, and legal business operations.
Key regulatory authorities include:
-
Department of Livestock Services (DLS)
-
Department of Industry (DOI) or Provincial Industry Office
-
Local Government Bodies
Each authority derives powers from statutory laws and administrative regulations.
Applicable Laws Governing Raising of Other Animals
Raising of other animals in Nepal is governed by a combination of corporate, agricultural, environmental, and tax laws.
Key applicable laws include:
-
Livestock Health and Livestock Services Act, 1999 (2055)
-
Food Act, 1966 (2023)
-
Income Tax Act, 2002 (2058)
Compliance with these laws is mandatory for lawful operation.
Types of “Other Animals” Covered Under Registration
The category of “other animals” includes species not classified under conventional livestock farming.
Common examples include:
-
Rabbit farming
-
Duck and quail farming
-
Pig farming
-
Beekeeping and honey production
-
Horse and mule breeding
-
Yak and hybrid animal farming
-
Exotic bird breeding
-
Fish hatchery and seed production
-
Silkworm and insect farming
Each category may attract specific technical or biosecurity conditions.
Eligibility Criteria for Raising Other Animals in Nepal
Any Nepalese citizen, company, cooperative, or registered firm may engage in raising other animals, subject to legal eligibility.
Eligibility requirements include:
-
Lawful business objective
-
Suitable land ownership or registered lease
-
Compliance with livestock health standards
-
Environmental compliance capability
-
Tax registration readiness
Foreign investors must comply with the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019 (2075) and obtain sectoral approval.
Business Registration Requirement
Commercial raising of other animals requires formal business registration. Small subsistence farming is excluded if products are not sold commercially.
Permissible business forms include:
-
Private limited company
-
Partnership firm
-
Sole proprietorship
-
Cooperative
Registration establishes legal identity and accountability.
Company Registration Process
Company registration is completed under the Company Act, 2006 (2063) at the Office of Company Registrar.
Step-by-Step Company Registration Process
-
Name reservation
-
Submission of Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association
-
Payment of government fees
-
Issuance of company registration certificate
Company registration is mandatory for medium and large-scale animal-raising enterprises.
Industrial Registration Requirement
Raising of other animals qualifies as an agricultural industry under the Industrial Enterprises Act, 2020 (2076).
Documents Required for Industrial Registration
-
Company or firm registration certificate
-
PAN certificate
-
Project proposal
-
Land ownership or lease deed
-
Environmental declaration
Industrial registration is required before applying for livestock-specific approvals.
Registration with Department of Livestock Services
The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) regulates animal health, breeding, and disease prevention.
DLS registration ensures:
-
Veterinary supervision
-
Disease monitoring
-
Compliance with breeding standards
-
Biosecurity implementation
Operating without DLS registration constitutes a violation under the Livestock Health and Livestock Services Act.
Environmental Clearance Requirements
Environmental compliance is mandatory under the Environment Protection Act, 2019 (2076).
Depending on scale:
-
Small operations require environmental self-declaration
-
Medium operations require Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
-
Large operations require Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Environmental clearance is obtained before commercial operation.
Land and Zoning Requirements
Animal-raising operations must be conducted on legally held land approved for agricultural use.
Acceptable documents include:
-
Land ownership certificate
-
Registered lease deed
-
Local government recommendation
Improper land use may result in enforcement action.
Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Compliance
Animal-raising businesses must adopt biosecurity protocols.
Mandatory measures include:
-
Controlled entry and exit
-
Isolation of sick animals
-
Regular veterinary inspections
-
Safe waste management
These obligations arise under livestock health regulations.
DFTQC Licensing Requirements
Where animal-raising activities relate to food production, DFTQC licensing is mandatory under the Food Act, 1966 (2023).
DFTQC regulates:
-
Animal feed
-
Meat and dairy inputs
-
Honey and animal-based food products
Operating without DFTQC approval may result in seizure and penalties.
Tax Registration and Compliance
Businesses must register with the Inland Revenue Department.
Tax obligations include:
-
PAN registration
-
VAT registration where applicable
-
Income tax filing
-
Withholding tax compliance
Tax non-compliance attracts statutory penalties.
Local Government Approval
Local governments regulate animal-raising operations under the Local Government Operation Act, 2017 (2074).
Required approvals include:
-
Business operation recommendation
-
Waste disposal clearance
-
Infrastructure approval
Local bodies conduct periodic inspections.
Labor Law Compliance
Businesses employing workers must comply with the Labor Act, 2017 (2074).
Key obligations include:
-
Employment contracts
-
Minimum wage compliance
-
Social security contributions
-
Workplace safety
Labor violations attract administrative sanctions.
Inspection and Monitoring
Authorities conduct inspections to ensure continued compliance.
Inspection areas include:
-
Animal health records
-
Breeding documentation
-
Environmental safeguards
-
Facility sanitation
Non-compliance may lead to corrective notices or suspension.
Amendment of Registration and Licenses
Amendments are required for:
-
Change in animal species
-
Expansion of operations
-
Relocation of facilities
-
Ownership changes
Failure to amend registrations constitutes a legal breach.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Penalties may include:
-
Monetary fines
-
Suspension of operations
-
Seizure of animals
-
Cancellation of licenses
Repeat violations attract stricter enforcement.
Role of Legal Advisors
Legal advisors assist with:
-
Registration planning
-
Licensing coordination
-
Compliance audits
-
Regulatory response
Medha Law and Partners provides structured legal services for animal-raising businesses in Nepal. Raising of Other Animals in Nepal: Registration and Legal Requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is registration mandatory for raising other animals in Nepal?
Yes. Commercial raising of animals requires registration under applicable business and livestock laws. Unregistered operations are subject to penalties under livestock and industrial regulations.
Which authority regulates non-traditional animal farming?
The Department of Livestock Services regulates animal health and breeding, while the Department of Industry, DFTQC, and local governments oversee business, food safety, and operational compliance.
Is environmental clearance required for animal farming?
Yes. Environmental clearance is required depending on scale under the Environment Protection Act, 2019. Medium and large farms require formal environmental assessment.
Can foreigners invest in animal-raising businesses?
Foreign investment is permitted subject to approval under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019, and sectoral clearance from relevant authorities.
What penalties apply for operating without approval?
Authorities may impose fines, suspend operations, seize animals, and cancel licenses under applicable laws. Raising of Other Animals in Nepal: Registration and Legal Requirements.