For the longest time, my neighbour Cynthia has been caring for the stray animals in our area. Everyday, she takes the time to make sure each of these animals have enough food and bedding. And they too rely on her kindness. But recently, she came to me really upset; some people had threatened her to stop feeding the strays, warning her of consequences if she continued.
It was hard to believe that such hostility would be directed towards someone trying to help animals in need. But unfortunately, this is not an isolated experience. Many people who care for stray animals face similar opposition. However, there are laws in place that protect people who feed and care for stray animals. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, safeguards people like Cynthia and ensures they are not penalised for showing compassion to voiceless creatures.
International Animal Rights Day, celebrated on December 10th highlights the importance of animal welfare and the ethical treatment of animals. It advocates for the protection of animal rights and seeks to raise awareness about the suffering that animals endure in various industries, including agriculture, entertainment and research.
On this day, join us as we gain knowledge on various animal protection acts that are created to protect those who care for and feed strays.
Many of us regularly feed animals, whether it’s a cow grazing nearby or friendly dogs, parrots and sparrows of the neighbourhood. It’s a kind and beautiful act but sometimes, this gesture can face opposition as not everyone shares similar sentiments. Even if we try our best to clean up after the animals eat, some people may still object. In some cases, animal feeders are even physically harmed, verbally abused and harassed.
To make sure that feeding and caring for stray animals is done responsibly, some local authorities have started issuing ID cards for people who regularly feed strays. These ID cards help identify those who are dedicated to animal welfare and give them legal protection.
At times, when people who object to you feeding animals in your neighbourhood are not able to stop you with words, they resort to extreme actions to interfere with or even stop your efforts. For instance, many attempt to relocate the animals you feed from your locality. But did you know this is against the law? According to the Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, it is prohibited to move animals from their familiar territory without a valid reason. Stray animals like dogs or cows often form strong bonds to the places they live. Relocating them causes confusion and stress leaving them vulnerable and prone to attacks from other stray animals in the new area. This particular law protects these animals from getting relocated as doing so can lead to legal consequences to the person attempting to do so.
Feeding stray animals is legal and protected by law in many areas. There are several animal welfare acts that help those who care for animals.
As long as you follow local laws, feeding stray animals is not illegal. In some places, the government even issues IDs to people who regularly care for strays, ensuring their protection.
It is illegal to relocate stray animals under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Yes, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, it is illegal to intentionally starve or remove shelter of street animals.
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