Animal protection Act India

Animal protection Act India 

Author : Sumaiya Khatun Student at Sultan ul uloom college of law 

Introduction 

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”. – Mahatma Gandhi . 

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”. – Mahatma Gandhi  A large number of cruelties are suffered by all types of animals in every corner of the world. The World Animal Protection, a global organisation, has created the Animal Protection Index (API) where a total of 50 countries receive grades according to their legislation and animal welfare policies. It is tA large number of cruelties are suffered by all types of animals in every corner of the world. The World Animal Protection, a global organisation, has created the Animal Protection Index (API) where a total of 50 countries receive grades according to their legislation and animal welfare policies.

Various forms of cruelty and their punishment

The PCA Act, 1960 provisions empower law enforcement agencies, animal welfare workers, and citizens who care for animals to take action against the culprits. As far as animal welfare laws are concerned, all acts of cruelty are covered under Section 11 of the Act. Section 11 of the PCA Act, 1960 deals with various forms of cruelties and atrocities perpetrated on both, domesticated and wild animals.

SECTION 11(1)(a): Causing pain, suffering, or injury to an animal.

SECTION 11(1)(b): Employing any unfit animal for work or labour.

SECTION 11(1): Housing an animal in a place that hampers free movement.

SECTION 11(1)(d): Carrying or transporting animals in a cruel manner.

SECTION 11(1)(j): Allowing a sick/injured animal to go at large in the streets.

How to file a complaint?

It is the responsibility of every citizen to protect animal rights. Any person who witnessed the cruelty against an animal can report the matter to a local police station or SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and seek their help in enforcing the law for punishing the offender. If the police are unresponsive, then a complainant can reach a nearby NGO like PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), and they will assist to take a stand against animal cruelty. 

Animal cruelty complaints can be directly reported to:

1. Local police station.

2. GSPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). 

3. Seniornment officials at the State or District Animal Welfare Board.

4. Area MLA.

Offences and penalties

Section 11(2) of the PCA Act, 1960 makes it obligatory for animal owners to exercise due care and supervision to prevent cruelty against animals owned by them. If they failed to follow these obligations, they shall be held guilty. 

A way forward towards better development

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act has not been revised since 1960. The culprits can easily get away with killing, maiming, beating a stray animal for a fine of merely fifty rupees. In almost all progressive countries, there are laws to save the animals from the infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering, or in other words, to prevent man from behaving cruelly to animals. 

Conclusion 

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, is archaic and fails to safeguard animals because the current penalties are too weak to deter people from abusing animals. Animals used in scientific research are exempted from cruelty considerations. There is a lack of regulations regarding the rearing of farm animals, such as unregulated urban dairy systems which are growing rapidly with poor welfare standards.