15 Animal Fundamental Rights that all Indians should respect.

4^th of October reckoned as World Animal Day is celebrated globally to recognize animal rights and spread awareness about animal welfare. The aim is to make the world a better and tolerant place for animals. This mission lays emphasis upon recognizing animals as sentient beings, i.e. living creatures that have the capacity to feel and perceive. The first event was held in the year 1925 and was organized by Heinrich Zimmermann, German writer and publisher of the magazine Mensch und Hund/Man and Dog.

Onlookers gaze as the Red-vented Bulbuls fight during the Bhogali Bihu celebration in Hajo, about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Guwahati on January 14, 2014. Hundreds of Bulbuls are made to fight each other during the traditional bird fighting competition on Bhogali Bihu, a festival marking the end of the harvesting season, with the winner earning a cash award. PHOTO/ Biju BORO

Keeping up with the spirit of the World Animal Day mission, our country has its own set of laws to protect animals and safeguard their interests that every Indian must know & follow. Read about the legislation that comprehensively covers spheres of animal welfare and protection against abuse in India.

Chained Monkeys, though is common sight in India but is a clear violation of the Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972, which clearly states that Monkeys cannot be displayed or owned. Image:thinglink.com

Below are the 15 ANIMAL RIGHTS, FUNDAMENTAL to their existence:

1. It is the fundamental duty of every citizen of India to have compassion for all living creatures. Article 51A(g).
2. To kill or maim animals including strays is a punishable offence. Indian Penal Code sections 428 & 429.
3. Abandoning any animal for whatsoever reason can land you in jail for upto three months. Section 11(1)(i) and Section 11(1)(j), PCA Act, 1960.
4. No animal (including chickens) can be slaughtered in any place other than a slaughterhouse. Sick or pregnant animals shall not be slaughtered. Rule 3, of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (Slaughterhouse) Rules, 2001 and Chapter 4, Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011.
5. Stray dogs that have been operated for birth control cannot be captured or relocated by anybody including any authority. ABC Rules, 2001.
   

   Buffalo fights are a longstanding tradition at Ahatguri, about 75 kms from Guwahati, organised to mark the Harvest Festival of Bhogali Bihu in Assam. PHOTO/ Biju BORO

6. Neglecting an animal by denying her sufficient food, water, shelter and exercise or by keeping him chained/confined for long hours is punishable by a fine or imprisonment of up to 3 months or both. Section 11(1)(h), PCA Act, 1960.
7. Monkeys are protected under the Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972 and cannot be displayed or owned.
8. Monkeys, Bears, Bulls, Tigers, Panthers and Lions are prohibited from being trained and used for entertainment purposes, either in circuses or streets. Section 22(ii), PCA Act, 1960.
9. Animal sacrifice is illegal in every part of the country. Rule 3, Slaughterhouse Rules, 2001.
10. Organizing of or participating in or inciting any animal fight is a cognizable offence. Section 11(1)(m)(ii) and Section 11(1)(n), PCA Act, 1960.
11. Cosmetics tested on animals and the import of cosmetics tested on animals is banned. Rules 148-C and 135-B of Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
12. Teasing, feeding or disturbing the animals in a zoo and littering the zoo premises is an offence punishable by a fine of Rs. 25000 or imprisonment of up to three years or both. Section 38J, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
13. Capturing, trapping, poisoning or baiting of any wild animal or even attempting to do so is punishable by law, with a fine of up to Rs. 25000 or imprisonment of up to seven years or both. Section 9, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
14. Disturbing or destroying eggs or nests of birds and reptiles or chopping a tree having nests of such birds and reptiles or even attempting to do so constitutes to hunting and attracts a punishment of a fine of up to Rs. 25000, or imprisonment of up to seven years or both. Section 9, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
15. Conveying or carrying animals whether in or upon any vehicle, in any manner or position which causes discomfort, pain or suffering is a punishable offence under two Central Acts. Section 11(1)(d) Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (Transport of Animal) Rules, 2001 and Motor Vehicles Act 1978.

    
    image-source:www.dailykitten.com

Raise your voice and let it be a precursor to Change

Enforcement of these laws is the duty of each one of us. If you see anyone flouting these laws in your vicinity and denying defenseless animals their rights, contact concerned authorities or animal welfare organizations that primarily focus upon fighting animal cruelty and work towards creating a free and fair society where animals can co-exist in their true element. Animal care volunteers and welfare organizations help with rescuing the animal in question and initiate legal action against the offender/abuser. You can also directly contact the local police department to dispense justice.

The following (Delhi-NCR) Helpline numbers of animal care organizations will come in handy to save animals from any kind of threat & abuse and also to administer medical treatment to an injured/ailing animal, bird or abandoned pet.

Wildlife SOS (Defence Colony, South Delhi): 9871963535, 011-24621939

Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre, Delhi: 9811047611, 011- 25448062

Friendicoes 24X7 Ambulance Service: 9873302580, 011-24320707

Fauna Police (24X7 Bird Rescue Centre), Delhi: 9868355222

For cows and bulls contact, Love for Cows: 9818434399

Kamdhenu Mangal Parivaar, Free 24×7 ambulance for cows: 7503777888

Angel Eyes ambulance for small animals and birds, Delhi: 9999411193

PFA (For animal rescue operations), Delhi: 23357088, 23359241

PETA India: 9820122602

PFA (People for Animals) Gurgaon, 24X7 Ambulance Helpline: 8607057199/9818838626

SPCA Animal Hospital Noida: 9818085256

POSH Foundation Ghaziabad: +91 9953440509

Article Resource:
http://www.thebetterindia.com/