Compilation of Many laws, court judgements etc for animal rights

Please find a zip file containing a compilation of animal rights .

Please also find the attached poster found in some police stations of Delhi.

Various sections

1. Section 325 (under the reformed Indian Penal Code): Whoever commits mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming, or rendering useless any animal shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with a fine, or with both.
2. Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960: This section penalizes acts of cruelty towards animals, including beating, kicking, torturing, overloading, or any form of harm that causes unnecessary pain or suffering.

Delhi Police Act, 1978: Sections 73 to 79 and 99 empower the police to take action against offenses related to animals, including acts of cruelty and neglect.

Circular Issued by “The Air Foundation” on December 29, 2024

This circular aims to raise awareness about the stringent laws introduced by
the Government of India to protect stray animals and promote their welfare.
The effective implementation of these laws is crucial and urgently needed to
address the escalating cruelty toward stray animals. Below are the key legal
provisions and judgments that underline the rights and protections for stray
animals and their caregivers:

1. Judgment by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi (2021)
   In the case of Dr. Maya D. Chablani v. Radha Mittal and Ors., the Hon’ble High
   Court of Delhi held that:

• Community animals (stray/street dogs & cats) have the right to
  food.
• Citizens have the right to feed community animals, but this
  right must be exercised with care and responsibility on the part of the feeders.
• It is the duty of the Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs),
  Municipal Corporations, and all government authorities, including the police,
  to assist and ensure that no hindrance is caused to caregivers or feeders of
  community animals.
  This judgment was later upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.

1. Protection for Stray Animals and Their Caregivers
   The Hon’ble High Court previously directed the police to:

• Provide protection to stray animals and their feeders.
• Penalize any individual who restricts, prohibits, or causes
  inconvenience to someone feeding stray animals.
• Treat as a punishable offense any attempt to remove, dislocate,
  or harm stray animals.

1. Section 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023

• Criminal intimidation is a cognizable offense under Section 351
  of the BNS.
• The law states: “Whoever commits the offense of criminal
  intimidation shall be punished with imprisonment for a term extending up to
  two years, or with a fine, or both.”
• Any person who threatens or intimidates a caregiver of stray
  animals can be arrested under this section.

1. Animal Cruelty Provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
   (BNS), 2023

• Section 325: Penalizes intentional harm to animals,
  including killing, poisoning, maiming, or rendering them useless.
  Offenders may face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine, or both.
• This provision replaces Sections 428 and 429 of the former
  Indian Penal Code (IPC) and removes monetary distinctions, applying uniform
  penalties irrespective of the animal’s species or value.

1. Delhi Police Act, 1978
   Sections 73 to 79 and 99 of the Act empower the police to take action
   against animal-related offenses.
2. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

• Section 11 of this Act makes cruelty to animals a criminal
  offense, with provisions for fines, imprisonment, or both.

1. Stray Dog Management Rules, 2001

• It is illegal for individuals, RWAs, or estate managements to
  remove or relocate stray dogs/cats.
• Strays must be sterilized, vaccinated, and returned to their
  original location.
• Even municipalities cannot remove vaccinated and sterilized
  strays from their area.

1. Notifications by Government and Animal Welfare Board of India

• Notifications by the Ministry of Public Grievances and the
  Animal Welfare Board of India provide legal protection to animal feeders.
• These notifications restrict RWAs, societies, or government
  employees from harassing individuals who feed or care for animals.

1. Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution

• Feeding and caring for stray animals is recognized as a
  fundamental duty under Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing
  compassion for all living creatures.