(a) whether the Government has appointed any official team to check cruelty on animals in the zoos;
(b) if so, whether the Government has reviewed the working of these officials;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the steps taken/ being taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a) Yes, Sir. The Central Zoo Authority had formed a panel of evaluators to carryout the regular evaluation of zoos for grant of renewal
of recognition as made under Section 38H of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which also includes to check cruelty on animals under
standards and norms as laid under Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009.
(b) & (c) The report submitted by the evaluating officer deputed by CZA is reviewed by the members of the Technical Committee of CZA,
while granting or refusal of recognition to zoos.
(d) & (e) Does not arise.