**Title:** Low Penalties for Animal Cruelty Under Indian Law
**Meta Description:** Current penalties for animal cruelty in India are alarmingly low, with fines starting at just ₹10. Learn more about the implications and enforcement.
**URL Slug:** low-penalties-animal-cruelty-india
**Headline:** Alarmingly Low Penalties for Animal Cruelty in India Highlighted in Parliament
In a recent statement to Parliament, it was revealed that the penalties for acts of cruelty towards animals, including killing or maiming, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, are shockingly minimal. The Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, S P Singh Baghel, informed the Lok Sabha that for a first offence, individuals can be fined as little as ₹10, with a maximum fine of ₹50.
According to Section 11(1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, anyone found guilty of treating an animal cruelly faces a fine that starts at ₹10 and can go up to ₹50 for the first offence. For subsequent offences committed within three years, the penalties increase slightly, with fines ranging from ₹20 to ₹100, and potential imprisonment of up to three months.
The minister emphasized that the issue of animal cruelty falls under the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution, meaning both the central and state governments share responsibility for enforcement. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 also includes provisions for penalizing acts of cruelty against animals.
While enforcement is primarily the responsibility of state governments, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) plays a crucial role in addressing complaints. The AWBI has actively pursued 4,589 complaints over the past five years, forwarding them to relevant authorities for legal action. However, the board does not maintain data on penalties imposed or the nature of punishments awarded.
Local authorities are primarily responsible for handling complaints of animal cruelty, as the enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act is under the jurisdiction of state governments and Union Territory Administrations. Of the complaints forwarded by the AWBI, action reports have been received for only 306 cases.
The government and AWBI are committed to promoting animal welfare through various initiatives, including education, training, and awareness programs. Training has been provided for police personnel, gaushala workers, and honorary animal welfare officers. Additionally, the AWBI has published handbooks on animal laws and offers financial assistance to recognized shelters and gaushalas for various welfare activities.
In Karnataka alone, the AWBI has received 269 complaints in the last five years, with 217 related to animal deaths. Complaints regarding the deaths of tigers and monkeys have also been forwarded to the state forest department for action under the Wildlife Protection Act.
As the conversation around animal welfare continues, the need for stricter penalties and better enforcement mechanisms remains a pressing issue in India.
**FAQ:**
**What are the current penalties for animal cruelty in India?**
The penalties for animal cruelty in India start at ₹10 for a first offence, with fines increasing for subsequent offences, but they remain alarmingly low compared to the severity of the acts.