Animal Cruelty Laws: Rights, Reporting & Prevention

Last updated: October 24, 2025 Type: Article

Overview

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 protects all animals—pets, strays, farm, and working animals—from unnecessary pain or suffering. It regulates how animals are treated, transported, and used in entertainment or experiments.

It also established the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to promote humane treatment and monitor cruelty cases.

Main Provisions

Key Protection	What It Means
Cruelty Ban	Beating, torturing, starving, overloading, or confining animals in cruel conditions is illegal.
Abandonment	Leaving a pet or injured animal without care is punishable.
Animal Experiments	Permitted only under ethical and scientific guidelines.
Transportation Rules	Animals must be transported with space, food, and ventilation as per government norms.
Circus/Entertainment Use	Allowed only with welfare rules; wild animals like lions and tigers are banned.
Street Animals	Protected by law; harming or relocating them illegally is an offense.

Documents & Rules

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Transport of Animals) Rules, 1978 & 2001
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughterhouse) Rules, 2001
Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001
Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 & 2023
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Care and Maintenance of Case Property Animals) Rules, 2017

All official notifications and amendments are available on: https://dahd.gov.in/hi

Punishment

For first-time offenders: Fine ₹10–₹50
For repeat offenders: Fine up to ₹100 or imprisonment up to 3 months

(Note: Amendments to increase penalties are under consideration.)

How to Report Animal Cruelty

Action	Contact
Police Help	Call 112 or visit nearest police station (FIR under PCA Act, 1960)
Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)	Website: www.awbi.gov.in
Local SPCA / Municipal Body	File a complaint at local civic or veterinary department
NGOs	PETA India, Friendicoes, Blue Cross, People for Animals – assist in rescue and reporting

If You Want to Help

How You Can Participate	Where to Start
Volunteer for Animal Shelters	Contact AWBI-registered NGOs on www.awbi.gov.in
Adopt, Don't Shop	Adopt from shelters instead of buying pets.
Feed Stray Animals	Allowed under law; maintain hygiene and avoid public obstruction.
Educate & Report	Spread awareness and immediately report cruelty cases.

State-wise Animal Welfare Board Contacts

State / UT	Welfare Board / Contact
Maharashtra	Maharashtra Animal Welfare Board – ahd.maharashtra.gov.in
Delhi	Delhi SPCA – animalhusbandry.delhi.gov.in
Uttrakhand	Animal Welfare Board (State) – ahd.uk.gov.in
Karnataka	Karnataka Animal Welfare Board – ahvs.karnataka.gov.in
Gujarat	State Animal Welfare Board – doah.gujarat.gov.in
Kerala	Animal Husbandry Department – ahd.kerala.gov.in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which animals are protected under this Act?: All animals—domestic, wild, strays, birds, and farm animals.
Q2. Is beating or kicking an animal punishable?: Yes. It's considered cruelty under Section 11.
Q3. Can I feed stray dogs or cats?: Yes. Courts have upheld the right to feed animals, but it should not create a public nuisance.
Q4. Can animals be used in films or circuses?: Only with AWBI registration and humane conditions. Wild animals like lions and bears are banned.
Q5. What happens if I abandon my pet?: It's a punishable offense under Section 11(1)(i).
Q6. Can I be arrested for harming an animal?: Yes. Police can register an FIR and detain you under the PCA Act.
Q7. Are there state-wise animal welfare boards?: Yes, each state has one under the guidance of the AWBI.
Q8. Is religious animal slaughter banned?: Not banned, but regulated. It must be humane and within legal limits.
Q9. Can I join government animal welfare efforts?: Yes. Apply for AWBI volunteer or NGO registration on www.awbi.gov.in.
Q10. What is being done to make punishments stronger?: The government has proposed amendments to increase fines and jail terms significantly.

Also See

Whistle Blower Laws : Rights, Safety & Reporting Channels You Should Know.

Cybercrime: Common Scams and How to Report.