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In Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, sports like Jallikatu and Rekla Race are held where bulls get subjected to immense cruelty. In fact, this led to various incidents of violence against participants which inadvertently caused their deaths.
In order to prevent customs where animal cruelty is used as a means of entertainment, it becomes incredibly essential to raise awareness about the laws relating to animal protection.
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,1960 is India's primary animal cruelty statute. The Act's goal is to protect and shelter all the animals from any undue pain or suffering, as well as to amend and formulate legislation relating to animal cruelty.
It imposes a duty on all animal owners to take all the reasonable measures that ensure the well-being of that animal (Section 3). Section 11 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 considers the following actions as "animal cruelty"-
Beating, kicking, overriding, overloading, tormenting, and causing an animal any unnecessary pain.
Putting to work an old, damaged, or unsuitable animal (the punishment applies to the owner as well as the user).
Giving any animal a damaging medicine.
Inflicting pain and discomfort on an animal while transporting it in any vehicle.
Keeping any animal in a cage where it has very limited movement.
Keeping an animal on an excessively heavy or short-chain for a very long time.
Constantly confining an animal with no reasonable opportunity to exercise.
Being an owner who fails to provide adequate food, water, or shelter to the animal.
Neglecting an animal without good justification.
Leaving any owned animal on the streets where they can die because of disease, disability, or old age.
Selling an animal that is in pain as a result of mutilation, malnutrition, thirst, or another mistreatment.
Animals get mutilated or killed in horrible ways, such as with strychnine injections.
For the express purpose of entertainment, using an animal as bait for another animal.
Organizing, maintaining, using, or administering any location where animals are made to fight against each other.
Shooting an animal after releasing them from captivity.
The aforementioned custom of Jallikatu and Rekla Race got banned in the ruling of Animal Welfare Board of India v. A Nagaraja & Ors. The Court states that bulls cannot be forced to perform for others' entertainment. The custom violated the rights of bulls guaranteed under Section 3 and Section 11 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Indian Courts have finally started to give crucial legal judgment that will surely lead to the advancement of animal protection laws in India.
However, our country still has a long way to go in the field of animal protection. The Indian Constitution's animal protection clauses remain ideas rather than concrete law that might get enforced in courts.
The laws still need a lot of improvement and modification. However, the constitution only changes according to what the changing society needs. Therefore, it becomes imperative for people to become more aware of animal protection so that the application of more stringent laws can become a reality.
For a more detailed understanding, refer to the" Animal Welfare Board Of India vs A. Nagaraja & Ors" case study by clicking the case below.
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