The Centre is examining representations given by states and some other organisations on the recent ban on sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter. Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said this while talking to media in New Delhi today. Mr Naidu said these rules were notified in the backdrop of some observations made by the Supreme Court and a parliamentary committee on preventing cruelty to animals and breaking nexus in animal markets including smuggling. He said some issues were raised by a few state governments and other trade organisations and these are being examined by the government.<br/>'<br/>The Environment Ministry, which had notified the rules last week, received 13 representations. The ban on sale and purchase of cattle from animal markets for slaughter is expected to hit export and trade of meat and leather. The rules define cattle as a bovine animal including bulls, bullocks, cows, buffaloes, steers, heifers and calves and camels. The new rules also prohibit establishment of an animal market in a place which is situated within 25 kilometres from any state border and within 50 kilometres from any international border.