Animal Welfare Bill: 1 crore against animal cruelty!

The Union Ministry of Environment has prepared the Draft Animal Welfare Bill 2011, recommending stringent punishment and heavy fines for torturing animals

The draft bill which redefines the term “animal”, says it means any live vertebrate, including fish, amphibian, reptile, bird and mammal but does not denote human beings.

It would be construed as an offence if you don't take reasonable steps to ensure that the pet gets a suitable environment and diet, protection from pain, suffering and diseases.

"If any person beats, kicks, over-rides, over-drives, over-loads, tortures or otherwise treats any animal so as to subject it to unnecessary pain or suffering' or permits such cruelty he or she would be liable for penalty under the act when and if passed by the Parliament," says the provisions in the proposed bill.

Keeping animals chained for "unreasonable time" or abandoning a pet, or keeping it caged in a space that does not "permit the animal a reasonable opportunity for movement" would call for invoking the penal clause.

For any violation of the Act, the person shall be punishable with fine which may extend to `1 crore or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years, it says.

“In case the violation is committed by an institution or company it shall be punishable with fine which may extend upto `25 crores,” the draft says.

See:
http://articles.timesofindia.indiati...ty-animals-pet
http://www.asianage.com/delhi/moef-r...nimal-bill-873
http://moef.nic.in/downloads/public-...e-act-2011.pdf

Ok, we can argue about lots of aspects of it but the fact that something along these lines is in the making can only be good news!

Make laws that are difficult to implement, so that people are not even afraid of those that could be. This is the story of India, the reason that we give two hoots to laws of land!

I know, I know. But you will be surprised that if it comes to animals we can use the law quite often and quite effective.
Sure not as much as we would like but a legal framework is at least some help and will deter some of those who are aware of it.

Working with animals, you learn to grateful for even the small steps forward :-).

This is a great idea and about time.

Very true, Its really frustrating to explain people about animal rights, its like something that does not exist!

another law that will never be implemented, nothing to be excited about really.

A law that requires basically the whole of India to be shut down! Could these people possibly be serious? Copy & Paste doesn't work everywhere.

hope it passes, birds....

yeah. kinda like women's rights in some places.....

You are too pessimistic!
In fact, many people in the animal welfare world are very excited about it.

Sure this law will not solve all problems but it will help. In fact, I have already showed the article to two people who are always chaining their dogs, warning them with dire consequences. I have good hopes that at least one of them will keep the dog more often off the chain now. In any case I will follow up.

People complain about he laws not being implemented but laws can be implemented in many ways, it does not always have to result in court cases.

With animals, just having the law can help a lot in terms of deterrent or changing certain practices.

Of course it does require (other) people not to look the other way with the excuse that they can not do anything. Highlighting the existence of these rules can go a long, long way.

We have good hopes that at least part of this bill will be passed. And you know what, even if it does not, the fact that these ideas are tabled is already worthwhile!

^^^ ive lived here all my life.. i know a lost cause when i see one

thought this'd cheer you up birds

Free adoption at one event
was informed - a whole lotta of them dogs and cats adopted, at the above event.
this same organisation has an enthused and vibrant 20something year old volunteers - does wondrous stuff in bombay - looking after stays till they're adopted.

as does CUPA in bangalore... this organisation not only gets strays adopted but they have a fantastic clinic for all pets - and horrendously low prices.
the vets and the helpers at one of them clinics need to be done pooja to everyday - their dedication is but awe-inspiring.

with/out law - good stuff is done too ...
and of course, like impoverished children / women's abuses etc and nurturing strays - there is quite a long way to go.



:brishti

Thanks Brishti! It is the good stories that keeps us going