Report No. 269

B. Statutes:

2.5 Parliament has sought to harmonise the statutory framework to include the prevention of animal cruelty as well as the maintenance of food standards and safety through the following statutes:

2.6 The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (hereinafter referred to as the 'PCA Act') has been enacted with the objective of prevention of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals and lays down responsibilities of the persons in charge of the animals to take all reasonable measures to ensure their well-being.10It provides for setting up of the AWBI to make rules under the PCA Act to ensure that the welfare standards are met and that the animals are not exploited.11

2.7 Section 11(1) of the PCA Act defines what 'treating animals cruelly' entails and clause (e) thereof states that if a person "keeps or confines any animal in any cage or other receptacle which does not measure sufficiently in height, length and breadth to permit the animal a reasonable opportunity for movement"; or under "(h) being the owner of (any animal) fails to provide such animal with sufficient food, drink or shelter; or

(k) offers for sale or without reasonable cause, has in his possession any animal which is suffering pain by reason of mutilation, starvation, thirst, overcrowding or other ill-treatment...", it would amount to cruelty and would be punishable under this section.

2.8 State Laws:

Since the protection, improvement of stock and prevention of animal diseases is a State subject under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution12, there are several State specific statutes and rules with respect to housekeeping and transport of chickens. Following are the examples of State Laws -