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Eight Pet Laws in India Every Indian Citizen Must Know
The Indian Judiciary System has elaborate provisions written in law to protect both pets and wild animals in this country. Lawyer & dog trainer Kalpaja K. elaborates.
The animals that live around us are an integral & indispensable part of our ecosystem. The laws of our country, as documented in the Indian Constitution, Indian Penal Code, and various other legal provisions outline certain laws, rights, and guiding principles to recognize their rights. The Indian Constitution further prescribes the duty of every Indian citizen to protect and treat animals with dignity.
Here are some of the critical laws that safeguard animal rights in India.
1.According to Article 51 (A) (g) of the Constitution of India, it is the fundamental duty of every citizen of India to have compassion for all living creatures.
2.Anyone who threatens or intimidates any person who is taking care of dogs is liable for criminal intimidation under Sec. 503 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and can be arrested without a warrant.
3.Under Sections 428 & 429 of the IPC, maiming or killing any animal of value ten rupees or above (including stray animals) is a punishable offence. It also makes it illegal for cars to purposefully injure or kill dogs, cats and cows on the street.
4.Sec. 11 (3) (b) and Sec. 11 (3) (c) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act prevents the capture or relocation of stray dogs that have been operated for birth control by anybody, including any authority.
5.The neglect of an animal by denying them sufficient food, water, shelter, and exercise by keeping them chained/confined for long hours is an offence punishable by a fine or imprisonment of up to three months or both under Sec. 11 (1) [(e), (g), (h), (i)] of PCA.
6.Sec 11 (c) of the Penal Code deems intentionally & wilfully feeding poisonous food to stray animals as a criminal offence.
7.Conveying or carrying animals whether in or upon any vehicle, in any manner or position which causes discomfort, pain, or suffering is a punishable offence under two central acts- Sec. 11 (1)(d) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Transport of Animal Rules, 2001 as well as the Motor Vehicles Act 1978.
8.Disturbing or destroying eggs or nests of birds and reptiles or chopping a tree having nests of such birds and reptiles or even attempting to do so constitutes hunting. According to Sec. 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, it is a punishable offence with a fine of up to 25,000 INR or imprisonment of up to seven years or both.
If you encounter any person(s) causing harm to animals, remember to create evidence of their misdoings through videos and photos. You can share this evidence with local police and AWBI officers.
You can learn more about pet laws in India here:
Share this article to create awareness and educate your fellow citizens about the laws that protect animal rights in India!
Happy Pet Parenting!
Here are some of the critical laws that safeguard animal rights in India.
1.According to Article 51 (A) (g) of the Constitution of India, it is the fundamental duty of every citizen of India to have compassion for all living creatures.
2.Anyone who threatens or intimidates any person who is taking care of dogs is liable for criminal intimidation under Sec. 503 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and can be arrested without a warrant.
3.Under Sections 428 & 429 of the IPC, maiming or killing any animal of value ten rupees or above (including stray animals) is a punishable offence. It also makes it illegal for cars to purposefully injure or kill dogs, cats and cows on the street.
4.Sec. 11 (3) (b) and Sec. 11 (3) (c) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act prevents the capture or relocation of stray dogs that have been operated for birth control by anybody, including any authority.
5.The neglect of an animal by denying them sufficient food, water, shelter, and exercise by keeping them chained/confined for long hours is an offence punishable by a fine or imprisonment of up to three months or both under Sec. 11 (1) [(e), (g), (h), (i)] of PCA.
6.Sec 11 (c) of the Penal Code deems intentionally & wilfully feeding poisonous food to stray animals as a criminal offence.
7.Conveying or carrying animals whether in or upon any vehicle, in any manner or position which causes discomfort, pain, or suffering is a punishable offence under two central acts- Sec. 11 (1)(d) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Transport of Animal Rules, 2001 as well as the Motor Vehicles Act 1978.
8.Disturbing or destroying eggs or nests of birds and reptiles or chopping a tree having nests of such birds and reptiles or even attempting to do so constitutes hunting. According to Sec. 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, it is a punishable offence with a fine of up to 25,000 INR or imprisonment of up to seven years or both.
If you encounter any person(s) causing harm to animals, remember to create evidence of their misdoings through videos and photos. You can share this evidence with local police and AWBI officers.
You can learn more about pet laws in India here:
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960
- AWBI guidelines for Pets and Street Dog caregivers
- Licensing Guidelines for Pet owners in Mumbai
- AWBI - Acts and Rules with respect to Animals
- Further link for different Acts with respect to Animals in general
Share this article to create awareness and educate your fellow citizens about the laws that protect animal rights in India!
Happy Pet Parenting!
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