Question : Amendment to PCA Act

(a) whether the Government has taken cognizance of various incidents of cruelty to animals reported from across the country recently and if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon, State-wise;
(b) whether the Government is aware that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act drafted in 1960, is largely ineffective today, especially due to provisions that limit the maximum penalty to Rs. 50;
(c) if so, whether the Government would consider reviewing and amending the PCA Act to update penalties and effectively curb animal abuse;
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(e) whether the Government is aware that in 2014, the Animal Welfare Board of India had submitted a draft Animal Welfare Bill, acting on suggestions to that effect from the Supreme Court; and
(f) whether the Government proposes to take any steps towards the speedy enactment of the draft Animal Welfare Bill and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

(a)The Government has taken cognizance of various incidents of cruelty to animals including those reported through media. The Ministry does not maintain the details of death of animals in various States. However, the Ministry has taken up this matter with the Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs to prevent effectively unnecessary pain/suffering and killing of animals and implement the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

(b)to (f)The Government has noted that the fine/punishment prescribed in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, enacted in 1960, is minimal. However, Section 11(I) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, enacted in 1960 has provision of penalty and punishment for any action of cruelty against animals. The Government regularly reviews the implementation of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960 in order to strengthen its provisions including those related to definition of cruelty and the punitive measures to update penalties and effectively curb animal abuse. Government has received proposal from Animal Welfare Board of India for amendment of the PCA Act and has conducted consultations with various stakeholders on the necessity and scope of such amendments. Proposals for amendments are submitted to the legislature after such consultations are concluded.


*****