Cows in eastern India are to be issued photo ID cards as part of a scheme to combat smuggling.

In 2006, around 435,000 cattle were illegally trafficked from the Indian state of West Bengal across the border into Bangladesh.

Indian border officials said the ID cards would help them keep tabs on the illicit trade.

The export of cattle is illegal in India where the cow is considered a sacred animal by the majority Hindus.

But Bangladesh has a large beef-eating Muslim population. Indian cattle are in great demand -smugglers pay Indian villagers up to 3,000 rupees (£35) for a single animal.