As the cases of animal cruelty surge in India, it brings a need to protect our furry companions. These innocent yet voiceless creatures rely on us to speak up for their rights. So here are Animal Protection Laws in India You Must Know as per the Constitution to ensure their safety. Whether preventing abuse or conserving endangered species, animal protection laws are critical to maintaining a just world for all living beings. This blog will help you discover the most important animal protection laws to help reap a better future for animals around us.
Sections 428 & 429
According to Sections 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1960, any type of Animal Cruelty or abuse is illegal. This includes the following illegal activities:
- Killing- It is illegal to kill any animal. Any individual found guilty is liable to pay a hefty fine and/or imprisonment of 2 years.
- Maiming- Maiming an animal means to cause a lasting injury or damage to it, often resulting in the loss of a body part. For example, if an animal is hit by a car and loses a limb, that would be considered maiming.
- Poisoning- Intentionally feeding poison to any animal is also a punishable offence under section.
- Rendering Useless- Deliberately hurting an animal so that it is not useful to the owner. For instance, hurting the udder of a milking animal, so that the owner faces financial losses.
- Dislocating- Moving any animal from the place they are living for personal benefit.
- Abduction- Keeping any animal that belongs to someone else for personal benefit.
If any individual violates any of the above laws, it is considered punishable under sections 428 & 429 and they can be charged a fine and/or imprisonment of up to 5 years.
Section 377
According to Section 377 of IPC, if any human indulges in any kind of sexual intercourse with any animal, it is considered an offence "against the order of nature”. This act is punishable with life imprisonment, imprisonment up to ten years, and/or a fine.
Article 51 A(g)
There is a common misconception in India that feeding strays is illegal. However, this notion is not true. Rather, the Constitution of India supports the right of citizens to show compassion towards all living creatures including strays and to feed them, under Article 51A(g).
Prevention of Cruelty
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 is an Act of the Parliament of India that prevents the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals and to amend the laws relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals. The act defines "animal" as any living creature other than a human being.
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA) of 1960 has four chapters:
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Chapter I: Preliminary
Defines animals and owners, and sets out the duties of those responsible for animals.
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Chapter II: Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
Defines the mandate and powers of the AWBI, and details its constitution, term of office, funding, and functions.
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Chapter III: Cruelty to Animals Generally
Deals with treating animals cruelly, the penalty for practising phooka or doom dev, and the destruction of suffering animals.
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Chapter IV: Experimentation on Animals
Deals with experiments on animals, the committee for their control and supervision, and the power to prohibit experiments.
The Prevention of Cruelty Act was enacted to ensure that animals are treated without cruelty and are free from unnecessary pain and suffering. Having knowledge of such laws is important for every pet parent as well as animal lover because to empower them. Let's come together to be a voice for the voiceless!
