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Rights of Street Animals in India

Janhvi Johorey
By Janhvi Johorey, Psychologist specialized in animal therapy. Updated: May 16, 2018
Rights of Street Animals in India

Just because a dog or a cow is considered a lower being, many people think it is alright to ill treat them. This is wrong. Street animals have rights just like you and me. Luckily, India is home to some of the leading provisions to safeguard animals in the world.

It is not legal, for example, to relocate stray dogs which have been neutered. Animal fights between cocks and bulls are also illegal, and it is wrong to organize them or to incite them. Compassion and respect demand that animals be treated with the kindness they deserve.

Stay with us at AnimalWised to learn all about the rights of street animals in India.

You may also be interested in: What are the Most Popular Pets in India?

Legislations for Protecting Animal Rights in India

Unfortunately, not everyone acts like they should. There have been cases of people burning or throwing dogs from roofs of buildings. Many people commit acts of cruelty to animals who are not gifted with a voice to defend themselves.

But now, lawmakers have made the necessary changes and animals in India have the right to better living and freedom from cruelty. Here is the legislation for protecting the rights of street animals in India:

Rights of Street Animals in India - Legislations for Protecting Animal Rights in India

Rules Regarding Killing of Animals

  • Article 51A (g) holds that it is the fundamental duty of every citizen of India to have compassion for all living creatures.
  • IPC Sections 428 and 429 hold that killing or maiming stray dogs and other animals is an offense punishable by law.
  • Abandoning any animal for any purpose can land you in prison for up to 3 months under PCA Act 1960, sections 11(1)(i) and (j).
  • No animals (including chickens) can be slaughtered in any other place than an abattoir.

Rules Regarding Neglect of Animals

  • Sick or pregnant animals should not be slaughtered under Rule 3 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughterhouse) Rules 2001 and Chapter 4, Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011.
  • Stray dogs that have been neutered cannot be captured or relocated by anyone, including any authority.
  • Under section 11(1)(h) of the PCA Act 1960, neglect of an animal by denying them sufficient food, water, shelter, exercise, freedom of movement for long hours is punishable by a fine or imprisonment of 3 months or both.

Rules About Wildlife Protection

  • Monkeys are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and cannot be displayed or owned.
  • Under section 22(ii) of the PCA Act 1960, bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers, bulls and lions cannot be trained and used for entertainment in circuses or streets.
  • Animal sacrifice is illegal in any part of the nation as per Rule 3 of the Slaughterhouse Rules, 2001.
  • Organizing or participating in or inciting animal fights is a cognizable offense punishable by law under section 11(1)(m)(ii) and 1(n) of PCA Act 1960.
Rights of Street Animals in India - Rules About Wildlife Protection

Rules Regarding Protection of Zoo and Research Animals

  • Cosmetics cannot be tested on animals, and import of cosmetics tested on animals is banned under 148-C and 135-B of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945.
  • Teasing, feeding or disturbing animals in the zoo and littering the zoo premises is fined to the tune of INR 25,000, imprisonment of up to three years or both under section 38J of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Enslaving, trapping, poisoning or baiting of wild animals or attempting to do so is punishable by law with a fine of INR 25000 or imprisonment of 7 years or both under Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Rules Regarding Nesting Animals

  • Destroying birds' or reptiles' nests or even attempting to do so attracts fines of INR 25,000 or imprisonment of 7 years or both under Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
  • Conveying or carrying animals in or on a vehicle in a manner that causes discomfort, pain, or suffering is an act punishable under two central Acts – Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Transport of Animal) Rules 2001 and Motor Vehicles Act 1978.
Rights of Street Animals in India - Rules Regarding Nesting Animals

Animal Rights and You

Innocent animals cannot stand up for themselves. They are mute sufferers. But cruelty to animals is punishable by law, though this does not act as a deterrent to some people.

If you see an animal such as dog or cow being hit or injured and abused, get the police to intervene. Should the abuse persist, register an FIR at the closest police station. Indian laws are firm on the ground. Animals cannot be ill-treated without consequences.

Rights of Street Animals in India - Animal Rights and You

If you want to read similar articles to Rights of Street Animals in India, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category.

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2 comments
Rhonda
I really hope the world stops this horrible cruelty to animals. What did they do to deserve this?
All they wanted was love from their owners but all they ever get is abuse.

WE NEED TO STOP THIS.
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Gulmohan
Hey, this is gulmohan n i am trying to get admission into IIT gandhinagar for Phd with topic humans and animals in Indian culture and literature. Where did you get this content. I need to read more about animals in India as i am preparing for the interview.
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