In India, cruelty against animals is addressed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA Act). This law aims to prevent unnecessary pain or suffering to animals and establishes guidelines for their treatment. Below is an overview of the legal steps and provisions related to animal cruelty in India.

Definition of Cruelty

The Act defines cruelty as any unnecessary pain or suffering inflicted on animals, including beating, overloading, mutilation, and confinement in unsanitary conditions.

Duties of Animal Owners

Owners must provide adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care to their animals.

Prohibited Acts

a. Beating, kicking, or torturing animals.
b. Overloading animals in carts or vehicles.
c. Keeping animals in dirty or overcrowded conditions.
d. Performing painful operations without anaesthesia.
e. Using animals for entertainment in a way that causes suffering (e.g., bullfighting, dogfighting
f. Ban on Animal Testing: India banned animal testing for cosmetics in 2014.
g. Ban on Jallikattu: The Supreme Court banned the traditional bull-taming sport Jallikattu in 2014, though it has been reinstated in some states with restrictions.

Punishment for Animal Cruelty

• First Offense: A fine of up to ?50.
• Subsequent Offenses: A fine of up to ?100 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 months.
• Severe Cases: In cases of extreme cruelty, the offender may face stricter penalties under other laws, such as the Indian Penal Code (IPC) now in Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita ( BNS)

Indian Penal Code (IPC) Provisions Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS)

• Section 325: Mischief by killing or maiming an animal worth ?10 or more. Punishable with up to 2 year’s imprisonment, a fine, or both.
• Mischief by killing or maiming cattle or animals worth ?50 or more. Punishable with up to 5 year’s imprisonment, a fine, or both

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

• This Act protects wild animals, birds, and plants. Key provisions include:
• Prohibition of hunting, poaching, or trading endangered species.
• Establishment of protected areas like national parks and sanctuaries.
• Punishment for violations can include imprisonment up to 7 years and fines.

Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)

• Established under the PCA Act, the AWBI oversees animal welfare initiatives.
• It provides guidelines for the humane treatment of animals and works with NGOs and government agencies.

Steps to Report Animal Cruelty

If you witness animal cruelty, you can take the following steps:

a) Document the Incident: Take photos or videos as evidence.
b) File a Complaint: Report the incident to the local police station or the nearest animal welfare organization.
c) Contact Animal Welfare Organizations: Reach out to NGOs like Shvan.org, or the AWBI for assistance.
d) Use Social Media: Raise awareness and seek help through social media platforms

How You Can Help

a) Adopt or foster stray animal
b) Support animal welfare organizations.
c) Educate others about animal rights and welfare laws.
d) Report cases of cruelty promptly.