The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960
The Supreme Court has asked the Center Government to withdraw or amend the rules notified in the year 2017 under the Prevention of Cruelty Act, 1960.
Rules of the year 2017
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Property and Animal Care and Maintenance) Rules, 2017 have been established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
- These rules under the Act allow the judge to seize the cattle of a person facing trial.
- After this, the animals are sent to veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, etc.
- Such animals can also be adopted by the authorities.
Overview of Supreme Court
- These rules are contrary to Section 29 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, under which a person convicted of cruelty can only lose his animals.
- The government has been asked to either change these rules or take a stay from the court.
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960:
- It is enacted to prevent animals from causing unnecessary suffering.
- Under this Act, the Animal Welfare Board of India has been set up under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
- It regulates the owners of animal markets, dog breeders, aquariums and pet fish shops.
- Cruelty to animals is prohibited under the act.
Constitutional Status :
- The Fundamental Duty is an important part of the Constitution of India. A provision has been made in Article 51 (a) (g), under which the duty of protecting the natural environment in which the lake, river, and wildlife is given.
- Taking inspiration from this arrangement given in the Constitution, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Slaughter House Rules, 2001 were made in the Parliament of India.
- Article-48 is included as a Directive Principle, stating that the State will endeavor to organize “agricultural and animal husbandry systems on modern and scientific grounds” and especially of cows and calves and other milch and carrier will take steps to preserve and improve the breeds of animal and to restrict their slaughter.
Source : Indian Express
