Consider the following statements about the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960:

1. The legislative intent of the Act is to “prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals”.

2. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Act.

3. This Act provides for the limitation period of 3 months beyond which no prosecution shall lie for any offenses under this Act.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is 1, 2, and 3.

In News -

• The Supreme Court (SC) has asked the Centre to either withdraw or amend rules notified in 2017 for confiscating animals of traders and transporters during the pendency of trial in cases under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Key Points

• About the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960:
  • The legislative intent of the Act is to “prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals”. Hence statement 1 is correct.
  • The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Act. Hence statement 2 is correct.
  • This Act provides for punishment for causing unnecessary cruelty and suffering to animals.
    • The Act defines animals and different forms of animals.
  • Discusses different forms of cruelty, exceptions, and killing of a suffering animal in case any cruelty has been committed against it, so as to relieve it from further suffering.
  • Provides the guidelines relating to experimentation on animals for scientific purposes.
  • The Act enshrines the provisions relating to the exhibition of the performing animals, and offenses committed against the performing animals.
  • This Act provides for the limitation period of 3 months beyond which no prosecution shall lie for any offenses under this Act. Hence statement 3 is correct.

​​​Source -

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-asks-centre-to-withdraw-or-amend-2017-rules-on-confiscating-animals-during-trial-7132306/