- The Animal Welfare Board of India functions as a statutory advisory body overseeing Animal Welfare Laws and advocating for the well-being of animals across the country. Established in 1962, it holds the distinction of being the first such organization initiated by any government globally, in alignment with Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960.
- Spearheaded by Shrimati Rukmini Devi Arundale, the Board, headquartered in Chennai, operated under her guidance for nearly two decades until her demise in 1986.
- Its primary focus lies in ensuring compliance with animal welfare laws and extending grants to Animal Welfare Organizations.
- Initially, the Board fell under the purview of the Government of India’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
- Comprising 28 members with a three-year term of service, the Board underwent a transition in 1990 when the subject of Animal Cruelty Prevention was shifted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, its present custodian.
- The Board plays a crucial role in formulating comprehensive guidelines for the humane treatment of animals across diverse settings.
- It actively advocates for more stringent laws to prevent the unjust harassment or torture of animals.
- In 1990, the headquarters were relocated from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to Ballabhgarh in the Faridabad District of Haryana.
- Recognizing and collaborating with animal welfare organizations (AWOs)/societies, the AWBI facilitates grants-in-aid through various Central schemes to support their initiatives and contribute to the overall welfare of animals.
FUNCTIONS OF ANIMAL WELFARE BOARD OF INDIA
The primary functions and responsibilities of the Animal Welfare Board of India include:
Continuous Review of Animal Cruelty Laws:
- Keep the existing laws for the prevention of animal cruelty in India under constant examination.
- Provide recommendations to the government for any necessary amendments to enhance the effectiveness of such laws.
Development of Rules for Animal Welfare:
- Advise the Central Government in formulating rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
- Focus on preventing unnecessary pain or suffering to animals during transportation, performance, or captivity.
Vehicle Design Improvements:
- Offer guidance to the government, local authorities, or other entities on enhancing vehicle designs to alleviate the burden on draught animals.
Animal Welfare Initiatives:
- Take necessary steps to promote animal welfare, including the construction of shelters, water troughs, and veterinary assistance.
- Encourage or facilitate the establishment of facilities for the well-being of animals.
Advice on Slaughterhouses:
- Provide advice on the design and maintenance of slaughterhouses to eliminate unnecessary pain or suffering during pre-slaughter stages.
- Advocate for humane methods of animal slaughter.
Control of Unwanted Animals:
- Ensure that unwanted animals are humanely destroyed by local authorities, either immediately or after rendering them insensible to pain.
Support for Animal Welfare Organizations:
- Financially or otherwise support the formation of pinjrapoles, rescue homes, shelters, and sanctuaries for animals and birds in need of refuge.
- Collaborate with associations or bodies working towards animal welfare.
Financial Assistance to Animal Welfare Organizations:
- Provide financial and other assistance to animal welfare organizations or encourage the establishment of such organizations under the Board’s guidance.
Medical Care in Animal Hospitals:
- Advise the government on medical care in animal hospitals.
- Provide financial and other assistance to animal hospitals when deemed necessary.
Public Education on Animal Welfare:
- Educate the public on humane treatment of animals.
- Encourage the formation of public opinion against unnecessary pain or suffering inflicted on animals.
- Promote animal welfare through educational initiatives such as lectures, books, posters, cinematographic exhibitions, etc.
Advisory Role on Animal Welfare Matters:
- Offer advice to the government on any matters related to animal welfare or the prevention of unnecessary pain or suffering inflicted on animals.
PREVENTION OF ANIMAL TO CRUELTY ACT 1960
The legislative intent of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act is to “prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals.” Key provisions and aspects of the Act include:
- Establishment of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI):
- The Act, enacted in 1962, establishes the Animal Welfare Board of India under Section 4.
- Penalties for Cruelty and Suffering:
- The Act prescribes penalties for individuals causing unnecessary cruelty and suffering to animals.
- Definition of Animals:
- The Act provides a comprehensive definition of animals, encompassing various types and species.
- Forms of Cruelty:
- Various forms of cruelty towards animals are addressed in the Act, outlining what constitutes unnecessary suffering.
- Exceptions and Mercy Killing:
- The Act discusses exceptions to cruelty provisions and permits the humane killing of a suffering animal if cruelty has been committed against it to relieve further suffering.
- Guidelines for Animal Experimentation:
- The Act includes guidelines for scientific animal experimentation, ensuring ethical standards in research involving animals.
- Regulation of Performing Animals:
- Provisions in the Act regulate the exhibition and treatment of performing animals, addressing offenses related to their welfare.
- Limitation Period for Prosecution:
- The Act establishes a three-month limitation period, specifying that no prosecution for offenses under the Act may be initiated after this period.
FAQs – Animal Welfare Board of India
1. What is the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), and when was it established?
A: The AWBI is a statutory advisory body overseeing Animal Welfare Laws in India. Established in 1962, it is the first organization of its kind initiated by any government globally.
2. Who spearheaded the formation of the AWBI, and how long did its initial leader guide its operations?
A: Shrimati Rukmini Devi Arundale played a pivotal role in founding the AWBI. She led the Board for nearly two decades until her demise in 1986.
3. Under which ministry did the AWBI initially fall, and when did it undergo a transition to its present custodian?
A: Initially falling under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the AWBI transitioned to the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 1990.
4. What is the primary focus of the AWBI?
A: The primary focus of the AWBI is to ensure compliance with animal welfare laws and advocate for the well-being of animals across the country.
5. Where is the headquarters of the AWBI located, and when was there a relocation?
A: The AWBI is headquartered in Ballabhgarh, Faridabad District, Haryana. The relocation from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, took place in 1990.
6. How does the AWBI support animal welfare organizations (AWOs)/societies?
A: The AWBI facilitates grants-in-aid through various Central schemes to support initiatives of AWOs/societies and contribute to the overall welfare of animals.
7. What are the primary functions of the AWBI related to animal cruelty laws?
A: The AWBI continuously reviews existing laws for the prevention of animal cruelty, providing recommendations for necessary amendments to enhance their effectiveness.
8. What role does the AWBI play in the formulation of rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act?
A: The AWBI advises the Central Government in formulating rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, with a focus on preventing unnecessary pain or suffering during transportation, performance, or captivity.
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