As a law abiding citizen and animal lovers, it becomes very important to understand the basic law that help in protecting the innocent animals that cannot stand up for themselves.
Section 11(1) (a) to (o) of the prevention of cruelty to animals Act, 1960 enumerate different forms of cruelty to animals
– The law strictly against if any animal is treated with cruelty or given any poisonous food, there are some strict as well as serious consequences attached to it.
– Kicking, torturing, beating or causing any animal suffering or pain by the owner or any other person (cart owners). Strict action is taken against if anybody found using animal for work when it is wounded or unfit.
– It is illegal to transport any animal in any manner that will cause him or her unnecessary suffering. All violation of Section 11 are punishable with a fine up to Rs. 100 and/or jail up to three months.
– It is against the law to kill the homeless animals. Section 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code make it illegal to cause any injury to any animal.
– Stray animals may not be used for research. The rules for experimental animals, as formulated by the committee for the control and supervision of experimental animals, state that only animals bred which are used for the purpose of research are registered by the committee may be used for experimentation.
– It is also illegal carrying chicken, sheep, goat, pigs and cattle upside down or with their legs tied.
– Confining or caging an animal in cage, which doesn’t allow the animal sufficient space for the movement is also against the law on the other hand overcrowding if animals in the yard during transportation for slaughter. Same also apply for the circus as well as zoo.
– Pet owners are also covered under the act, if pet is abandoned when old or diseased. Failing to provide pet animals with sufficient water, food or shelter.
– Mutilating an animal: cutting tails or ear, clipping the wings or cutting the beaks of birds and breaking legs during transportation.
– Giving any animal an injurious drug. Will be strictly prohibited and against the law.
– Under Section 21 and 22: OFFENCE: It is an offence to exhibit and train performance (including all snake charmers, bear and monkey performers and Animal ‘Joyrides’ are covered under this section.
– Wild Life Protection Act 1972 under section 9,32 and 40(2)
Offences:
– Breeding of any animals and birds or Hunting, Receiving, Acquiring, keeping in control, custody or possession, selling wild animals like: snakes, monkey, bears etc. or any birds.
– Selling meat or skins of wild animals. This includes monitor lizard or oil made of any other animal or bird. Peacock feathers, snake skin is also included.
– The offender will be punishable with imprisonment for a term of not less than 1 year, which may be extended to 6 years and the fine is not be less than 5000/-
– Under section 38(J): offence
– Teasing, injury or causing any disturbance in the zoo.
– The offender will be punishable with imprisonment for a term of not less than 6 months or with a fine not be less than 2000/- or both.