Prevention of animal cruelty act Flashcards
NEWS
The Supreme Court (SC) has asked the Centre to either withdraw or amend rules notified in 2017 for confiscating animals of traders and transporters during the pendency of trial in cases under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Key Points
About the 2017 Rules:
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Care and Maintenance of Case Property Animals) Rules, 2017 have been framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The Rules allow a Magistrate to forfeit the cattle of an owner facing trial under the Act.
The animals are then sent to infirmaries, animal shelters, etc.
The authorities can further give such animals for “adoption”.
SC’s Observations:
The Rules are plainly contrary to Section 29 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, under which only a person convicted of cruelty can lose his animal.
It asked the government to either change the rule or face a stay from the court.
About the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960:
The legislative intent of the Act is to “prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals”.
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Act.
This Act provides for punishment for causing unnecessary cruelty and suffering to animals. The Act defines animals and different forms of animals.
Discusses different forms of cruelty, exceptions, and killing of a suffering animal in case any cruelty has been committed against it, so as to relieve it from further suffering.
Provides the guidelines relating to experimentation on animals for scientific purposes.
The Act enshrines the provisions relating to the exhibition of the performing animals, and offences committed against the performing animals.
This Act provides for the limitation period of 3 months beyond which no prosecution shall lie for any offences under this Act.
Animal Birth Control Rules of 2023
The Central Government has released a notification on March 10th, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act of 1960, called the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, which supersedes the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules of 2001.
These rules have been developed in accordance with the guidelines established by the Supreme Court during a writ petition that involved the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and the People for Elimination of Stray Troubles.
