Animal cruelty in India

The Indian Constitution gives the right to life to every citizen but the same Constitution has also given freedom to animals to live their lives. If someone tries to disrupt their life, there are many provisions for punishment in the Constitution. Not only this, there are 10 such animals whose killing can even send you to jail. Despite this, the cases of animal cruelty in India seem to be continuously increasing.

According to a report, every day five animals are killed in India as victims of human violence. In the last ten years, 4,93,910 animals have become victims of human violence. These data have been taken from various NGOs and voluntary organizations working on animals. Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organization (FIAPO) and All Creatures Great and Small (ACGS), a non-governmental organization working for animal rights, have together prepared this report on animals who were victims of human attacks across the country from 2010 to 2020.

The horror of violence against animals is extremely shocking. Most cases are not reported at all; these are just a few cases. People call it cruelty, but it is much more than cruelty. It is physical abuse, mental abuse, cases like murder and rape, crimes against animals should also be kept as serious crimes.

Data related to animal cruelty in India
The report, titled 'In Their Own Right – Calling for Parity in Law for Animal Victims of Crimes', on human violence against animals in India, has been prepared over ten years. According to this report, every day five animals are killed in India as victims of human violence. In the last ten years, 4,93,910 animals have become victims of human violence. These data have been taken from various NGOs and voluntary organizations working on animals. These figures do not include animals killed in slaughterhouses, zoos, laboratories and accidents.

In comparison to other countries of the world, the situation of cruelty to animals in India can be gauged from the data of an international organization named World Animal Protection. This is a London-based NGO, whose work is to look at the cruelty to animals at the international level. In terms of cruelty, this organization has divided the countries into categories like A, B, C, D and E.

India has been placed in C category by this organization. The organization believes that India still needs a lot of improvement. From dairies running without any facilities in cities to animals put to work in farms, there is extreme cruelty. The governments here issue orders to kill dogs when necessary. The organization has also raised questions on the slaughter houses running in the country.

What is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act?
In the Indian Penal Code, not only crimes against human life are considered crimes, but crimes against animals are also considered crimes. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act was brought in the year 1960 to prevent cruelty against animals in India. Also, under Section 4 of this Act, the Animal Welfare Board of India was formed in the year 1962. The purpose of this Act is to prevent unnecessary punishment or abuse of animals. Many types of provisions regarding the matter are included in this Act. For example, if an animal owner leaves his pet as a stray, or does not treat it or keeps it hungry and thirsty, then such a person will be guilty of animal cruelty.

What is Wild Life Protection Act?
To stop the atrocities on animals, the Government of India passed the Indian Wildlife Protection Act in the year 1972. Its objective was to stop illegal hunting of wild animals and trade in meat and skin. It was amended in the year 2003 and named the Indian Wildlife Conservation (Amendment) Act 2002. In this, the punishment and fine have been made even more stringent.
The Indian Constitution gives the right to life to every citizen but the Constitution of India has also given freedom to animals to live their lives. If someone tries to disrupt their life, there are many provisions for punishment in the Constitution. Not only this, there are 10 such animals whose killing can even send you to jail. But lack of education, awareness, and sensitivity promotes crimes against animals. 90 percent of cases are not reported. These cases can be stopped only by giving strict laws and legal protection to animals. There is a need to bring change in the mentality of the society also.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there animal cruelty in India?

• Yes, The FIAPO report cites 20,000 intentional and brutal crimes against animals in the last 10 years in India. That means on an average, five stray animals are killed per day in a violent act.

What is the penalty for animal cruelty in India?

• A minimum fine of Rs. 50,000, and a maximum penalty of Rs. 75,000 has been proposed for gruesome cruelty. Now a strict punishment of five years has been proposed for killing an animal.

What is Section 11 in Animal Cruelty Act?

• It is the responsibility of the owner of any animal to provide sufficient food, drink, and shelter. SECTION 11(1)(i): Abandoning an animal. If a person abandons any animal, which renders that animal to suffer pain either due to starvation or thirst is an offence.